Brittany Ferries donates stockpiled food to HIVE Portsmouth

The company normally carries 1.9 million people each year between the city’s port and six destinations in France and Spain.

However with ongoing travel restrictions both sides of the Channel, the majority of ferries have ground to a halt. This has resulted in a pile up of fresh produce, snacks and drinks which would normally be sold in the vessels restaurants and bars.

With vulnerable people still having to isolate and struggling to do shopping, the company has donated the stockpile of thousands of chocolate bars, biscuits and confectionery to the Pompey in the Community food depot where the charity HIVE Portsmouth will distribute the products in food parcels for those in need.

HIVE are providing a coordinated response to support vulnerable and shielded residents during the pandemic.

After receiving the donation, HIVE’s operational director, Louise Wilders, said: ‘We are delighted to receive this generous donation which will without doubt put a smile on the face of the recipients.

‘It’s easy to forget that many individuals and families are still required to self- isolate and therefore can’t access some of the treats the rest of us are able to - donations like this make a world of difference. The Hive is an essential service, particularly during these times.’

Food parcels also being donated to support the vulnerable residents of Ouistreham, close to the port for Caen – Portsmouth’s twin city.

The company’s duty operations manager, Jim Crilley, said: ‘We always believe in the ability of our ferry routes to help bring people together and support the communities we serve, especially in our homeports, like here in Portsmouth.

‘Our team have big hearts and we love welcoming our passengers on board. We’re sad that we can’t sail and serve them right now.

‘But what we can still do is show our solidarity to the community and we remain particularly steadfast in our commitment to our closest neighbours, especially in this time of need. We’re happy that these items will help relieve hunger for many struggling families.’

Brittany Ferries has continued to carry cargo and freight drivers, delivering vital food and medical resources during the pandemic.

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