Harissa Kitchen to serve 9900 free meals to most vulnerable in Tyne and Wear

Harissa Kitchen, part of the Newcastle’s Food Nation CIC, is launching a ‘free meals’ service to support vulnerable people living in Byker, Walker, Sandyford, Ouseburn and Heaton effected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The initiative will be coordinated through Newcastle City Council’s Lifeline service to ensure the people most at need, get the help.

All vulnerable people in the household will receive six days of food each week, delivered on Monday, Wednesday and Friday consisting of a breakfast pot, soup and an evening meal. Weekends will also see a special treat of a cake added to the meal.

Founder of Harissa Kitchen and Food Nation, Jamie Sadler (pictured), said: “The team are expecting to initially serve 540 free meals a week expanding this to 900 as referrals come through.

“We anticipate we will provide over 9900 free meals over the next three months.”

A team of volunteers from trained chefs to delivery drivers will prepare nutritionally balanced meals and deliver them directly to those in need. All food preparation and delivery will fully comply with the Government’s COVID-19 food safety and working standards.

The cost for providing this service is £5 per person, per day. Although Food Nation gratefully receives some grant support from Newcastle City Council, this will not cover the costs of food or delivery. Where possible the team are sourcing reduced cost or donation food to reduce costs and are relying heavily on volunteers.

The team are therefore asking anyone who can support, no matter how small, to donate to their Go Fund Me campaign here and share their support on social media using the hashtag #HarissaKitchenFoodRescue.