Students start an initiative to feed hospital staff working to treat Covid19 patients

University students Suraj Joshi and Jagruti Gohil started the initiative Feed The Workers, bringing together restaurants and delivery drivers to give free meals to NHS staff.

They delivered more than 350 meals to healthcare staff who are working to treat patients affected by Covid19, in four different hospitals. “My friend’s mum is the inspiration behind Feed The Workers - she was really grateful to the NHS for taking care of her so well recently and wanted to say thanks by offering them free meals,” Suraj said.

Suraj and Jagruti were helped by two other medics, Haaris Rahim and Abhinaya Chandrashekar to deliver the food. They collected food from local restaurants and caterers. "We select restaurants and caterers who may be struggling during this time, support them to have income and at the same time, can help the NHS," Suraj said.

“As final year Medicine students, our colleagues, friends, teachers and supervisors are now out on the frontline, and we wanted to offer help before we join them. NHS workers are working very long hours during COVID-19 and struggle to get food because of canteen and restaurant closures. Also, because of the PPE requirements of COVID-19, staff working in intensive care units find it difficult to leave the wards. By giving direct meals to hospitals, we ensure that NHS staff have one less thing to worry about and that they are well fed and energised,” Jagruti said.

In just six days they managed to raise £7,000 funds. “It’s a win-win situation. We’re able to support local businesses who have experienced a drop in their income because of COVID-19. We select restaurants and caterers who may be struggling during this time, support them to have income and at the same time, can help the NHS. We’re trying to benefit as many people as we can,” Suraj said.

Adapted from: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/news/196613/imperial-students-provide-over-35...
More information: https://www.facebook.com/FeedTheWorkers/