Thousands of meals donated to coronavirus health care workers

Frank Jasper says they wanted wanted to show their appreciation for frontline health workers, many of who are struggling to go to the supermarket during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Frank Jasper says they wanted wanted to show their appreciation for frontline health workers, many of who are struggling to go to the supermarket during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo credit: Supplied

An investment company is donating thousands of meals to hospital staff who have been working on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fisher Funds will deliver frozen food packages to health care workers across New Zealand's north island for the first 1000 people who register online.

Each package will consist of three ready to heat meals by New Zealand based food company Jess's Underground Kitchen (JUK) and will be delivered by Freightways.

Fisher Funds Chief Investment Officer Frank Jasper says medical staff and emergency service workers often find it difficult to get to the supermarket during the pandemic, especially for those on shift work.

"We wanted to do something to say thank you to those people who are doing a tremendous job - nurses and other hospital care staff are continuing to put themselves at risk by keeping hospitals running.

"We know it's hard for nurses, health care assistants and ward clerks to juggle shift work with the lockdown restrictions and getting a nutritious meal so we're making a small gesture to ease that pressure."

JUK owner and operator Jess Daniell says she is proud to partner on the project.

"Everyone knows a brave someone at the coalface and our team is no different. I have friends, family members and customers who have been on the frontline from the very beginning of the crisis.

"This is one small gesture from us that will hopefully help lighten the load for 1000 people during this tough time. 

We've seen a few companies doing their bit to help in this crisis and we encourage more to do the same."

Eligible health care workers can sign up to the initiative on the Fisher Funds website from 9am Thursday and will be asked to verify their role and employer.

While the initiative is currently restricted to the north island, Fisher Funds is currently looking into ways to extend it nationwide.