Glasgow-based food and drink wholesaler Lomond – The Wholesale Co has joined forces with a music industry tour manager to deliver food and drink to frontline NHS staff across Scotland as they work through the Covid-19 crisis.
Ben Pomphrett launched Help Our NHS after hearing first-hand from his partner– who is an intensive care nurse – how conditions in critical care units dealing with the coronavirus are.
“I thought that ensuring Scotland’s hardworking NHS staff get the food they need while they are caring for patients was a great way to show how much they are appreciated,” he said.
Barbara Henderson, who owns and runs Lomond with her husband, immediately agreed to help: “We’re absolutely delighted to help Ben with Help Our NHS as it’s such a fantastic idea and we’re so glad he contacted us.”
Lomond already has infrastructure in place for delivering to hospitals. Henderson said: “As well has helping provide snacks to frontline NHS staff, we are also looking to deliver healthy meal options for those working in critical care units and have been in touch with our suppliers to invite them to donate everything from crisps, juice and sweet treats to other products such as ready meals and snacks that can be popped in the microwave.”
Lomond, which also distributes to c-stores, has already donated the first product – 180 boxes of Loveheart Empire Biscuits – and will provide transport to deliver future food donations into 20 critical care units across Scotland.
Anyone wishing to donate food should contact helpournhs@gmail.com or via Facebook and Twitter. Suppliers can also email barbara@lomondfoods.co.uk.
Pomphrett concluded: “It’s very early days but we’re really heartened by the response so far and hope food and drink suppliers get on board with it.”
