// Tesco joins alliance of businesses to deliver meals to NHS frontline staff amid Covid-19 pandemic
// SalutetheNHS.org aims to serve 1 million meals to health workers
Tesco has become the latest grocer to pledge to deliver meals to frontline NHS staff amid the coronavirus pandemic.
The Big 4 leader joined an alliance of businesses – SalutetheNHS.org – aimed to serve one million meals to health workers.
The scheme is designed to provide ”nutritious and ready-to-eat meals” to staff working in intensive care units, anaesthetic teams and A&E staff unable to leave their clinical areas during their 12-hour shifts.
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Delivering the meals means NHS can ”stay close to wards at all times without having to change out of protective clothing”.
NHS staff who are infected and self-isolating at home will also be supported by the programme.
“Ensuring families have access to the shopping essentials they need, safely, has been our priority over the last few weeks, and so we’re pleased to now be able to help frontline NHS workers by donating food and ingredients,” Tesco chief executive Dave Lewis said.
“Covid-19 has reminded the country of the critical role of essential workers and, on behalf of Tesco colleagues, we would like to sincerely thank NHS staff for all they are doing.”
Last week, Tesco launched a £30 million coronavirus community support package for the next three months.
Of the support package, £15 million worth of food donations would be made to FareShare and the Trussell Trust.
The charities will then distribute the ambient and fresh grocery donations to local community groups and food banks.
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