Introducing Open Kitchens - feeding the elderly, vulnerable and NHS staff for free during the COVID-19 outbreak

Over the past couple weeks, the world has certainly changed. 

Coronavirus has altered how we interact with one another, social distancing and self isolation are the norm.

But contrary to all of this forced separation, it’s been amazing to see how we’ve all become more connected, kinder and selfless in helping to support society. 

And we can all do more - Open Kitchens is that “more,” which I’ve been incredibly proud to have worked on with an amazing team, to bring to fruition over the past days.

How does it work?

Put simply, through donations, we want to open restaurant kitchens in your local community, so they can cook 2,500 meals every week, which are delivered to those in need.

This video sums things up better than any typed up words can:

Many people are self-isolating right now, and accessing food during the pandemic carries a significant risk to their lives. It is our mission to serve them free-of-charge.

Meals are delivered in bulk through contactless delivery, following every protocol to ensure the safety of those who receive them.

It’s a massive undertaking and words can’t describe how proud I am of George and his team at Yamas for taking the pledge and being the first to volunteer. Following all social distancing rules, they will be cooking this phenomenal amount of meals each week, to feed the elderly, the vulnerable and our brave NHS staff.

I’ve had the pleasure of working with George for over a year now, and this has to be a highlight of our work together.

What can I do to support?

Open Kitchens will be up and running as of the 1st of April, and we are taking donations for the national roll-out right now. However much or little you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Just £1.85 pays for one meal, and we want to serve a million so please do donate.

Of course, there are other ways to help support. We need delivery angels - people to join the expanding group of brave volunteers who will help to get these meals out to those in need. If you are able to commit some time to this cause, I ask that you message the Open Kitchens Facebook page and we’ll get back to you with instructions.

Why is this important?

Hopefully I’ve answered this question through telling you what our mission is above, but if not, allow me to delve deeper.

For millions of vulnerable people, access to food by popping to the supermarket, grabbing a takeaway or even relying on food delivery services carry a significant risk of viral transmission. Food banks and national retailers struggle to meet the ever-growing demand and access to nutritious meals becomes more and more uncertain for the vulnerable who are isolating right now.

That is why we set up this not-for-profit, to safeguard the vulnerable by working with restaurants and their communities by cooking and handing out nutritious meals to those who need them - all funded and powered by you, the community.

It is important that you help us, and you help us in any way you can.

Wrapping up...

I’ve worked in digital marketing for over ten years (yes, I’m old). And out of that decade of wins and losses in my career, to be a part of this has been the proudest moment of it.

It has been a pleasure to work with so many people on making this a reality - challenging us to throw out our normal marketing techniques and do things a little differently. It’s also been incredible to see so many people from other companies muck in and create some amazing stuff.

Thank you to everyone involved for letting me be a part of making this happen.