Lomond – The Wholesale Co supports Scotland’s frontline NHS staff

Glasgow-based wholesaler Lomond – The Wholesale Co has joined forces with a music industry tour manager to deliver food and drink to frontline NHS staff across Scotland as they work through the Covid-19 crisis.

Ben Pomphrett, who has worked with performers including Liam Gallagher, Primal Scream and Biffy Clyro, and whose partner is an intensive care nurse, has launched the group Help Our NHS.

“Knowing the challenges facing NHS staff working in critical care units during normal times then hearing first-hand from my partner how things are now as they deal with the Coronavirus, I thought that ensuring Scotland’s hardworking NHS staff get the food they need while they are caring for patients was a great way to show how much they are appreciated,” explained Pomphrett.

Pomphrett called Barbara Henderson, who owns and runs Lomond – The Wholesale Food Co with her husband Sam, to see if she would be interested in helping and she said yes immediately.

Lomond, which operates out of premises at Port Dundas, already has infrastructure in place for delivering to hospitals. Barbara said: “Like other businesses during the Coronavirus crisis we’ve had to adapt as our traditional ‘foodservice’ deliveries to outlets such as restaurants, sandwich bars and cafes has dropped off dramatically.

“However, as we have not stopped delivering to hospitals, we’re absolutely delighted to help Ben with Help Our NHS. As well has helping provide snacks to frontline NHS staff, we are looking to deliver healthy meal options for those working in critical care units and have been in touch with our suppliers to invite them to donate everything from crisps, juice and sweet treats to other products such as ready meals and snacks that can be popped in the microwave.”

Lomond, which also distributes product to convenience stores, has already donated the first product – 180 boxes of Loveheart Empire Biscuits – and will provide the “wheels” to deliver future food donations into 20 critical care units across Scotland.

Anyone wishing to donate food should contact helpournhs@gmail.com or via social media at facebook.com/helpingournhs and twitter.com/helpingournhs. Suppliers can also email Barbara Henderson: barbara@lomondfoods.co.uk