Indian restaurant launches food donation hub - and provides free meals for emergency services

An Indian restaurant is supporting the vulnerable and emergency services with free meals and the launch of a new food donation hub during the coronavirus crisis
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Arif Sheikh, 41, of Bombay Barn, Washington has been going above and beyond to support vulnerable people as well as key workers with free food deliveries, prepared meal kits and setting up a food donation point.

Bombay Barn in Washington is encouraging people the community to join in with the restaurant team’s efforts, asking them to check on their neighbours, stay in touch with friends and family and donate food to help others.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The restaurant, which also operates as a takeaway, said it was keen to help in any way it can during the coronavirus outbreak, delivering free meals to Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue staff, and also creating a support network to ensure isolated and elderly residents are still getting the food they need.

Bombay Barn Arif Sheikh is supporting the community with food deliveryBombay Barn Arif Sheikh is supporting the community with food delivery
Bombay Barn Arif Sheikh is supporting the community with food delivery

Bombay Barn owner Mr Sheikh said: “We’ve tried our best to support the local community in this difficult time, ranging from giving out a select number of free meals each day, to those that are vulnerable, to sending free meals to our local emergency services

“Not everybody can get to the shops when they want. Providing food for the vulnerable and even maintaining our usual delivery service goes some way to retaining a sense of normality. If we can put a smile on people’s faces during this time, then I’d say we’ve done a good job.”

Bombay Barn have also introduced a number of social-distancing measures for staff to ensure their safety, including contact-free deliveries and operating a drive-thru service.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The staff at the restaurant are hoping their appeal to the community will see people donate any unneeded supplies, not just for the elderly but also for children whose regular meals have been affected by school closures.

Mr Sheikh added: “As long as the government allow us to do so, we will continue to provide food delivery across the region.”

Related topics: