University delivers packed lunches to NHS workers

Posted on Wednesday 15 April 2020

The University stepped in to help after the hospital’s own catering service diverted staff to patient services due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The items for the packed lunches are now delivered to the University’s Roger Kirk Centre every morning and then assembled into individual bags by a team of 10 volunteers.

The first batch was delivered on Wednesday 15 April with the food costs picked up by the hospital and Cucina looking after the deliveries. The lunches contain a sandwich, piece of fruit, water, flapjack and bag of crisps.

Jon Greenwood, Director of Commercial Services, said the University was happy to help out.

He said: “We have a mixture of student volunteers, YUSU volunteers and some regular staff working together to get the lunches packed and delivered to frontline staff. It is a fantastic example of people coming together to help a great cause.

“The NHS is doing a tremendous job in extremely challenging times and we can all play our part, however small.”

Mr Greenwood said the operation would be in place for the next 10 weeks.

Simon Morrit, Chief Executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are extremely grateful for the extra help being provided from the University of York staff and volunteers.

"All our staff are offered a free packed lunch to ensure they have food available as they are working so hard in these difficult times. This kind gesture from the University means we can continue to get food to those who need it most when they are working long shifts.”