Coronavirus: Port Solent chefs vow to cook 100 free curries a day for isolated pensioners
ISOLATED pensioners are being offered free curries every day to help them survive the coronavirus crisis gripping the nation.
Kind-hearted chefs from Port Solent’s India Quay have vowed to cook a free meal for up to 100 vulnerable residents everyday.
Sonny Ahmed, who runs the family-owned restaurant with his nephew, Ishy, said he wanted to do something to help those in most need.
It comes as thousands of over-70s across the area face up to three months in lock down under emergency health measures outlined by Boris Johnson on Monday.
Mr Ahmed said he would roll out his new service ‘as soon as possible’ – potentially later this week.
He added: ‘We want people to know that they’re not alone. We don’t want them to struggle.
‘There are a lot of people that are very worried out there. They don’t know where the next meal is coming from.
‘We just want to give back and show those lonely people that they’re not alone.’
Every day the restaurant will prepare fresh meals, which will be delivered to the most vulnerable residents within a one-mile radius, covering parts of Cosham, Paulsgrove and Portchester.
On the menu will include dishes like lamb and chicken bhuna, ‘packed with vegetables and spices’, said Mr Ahmed.
The effort comes as the restaurant faces its own struggle to survive, with fewer customers expected to come through the doors during the pandemic.
‘We know that at times like this the elderly can get forgotten about – well we won’t forget them. We want to help,’ Mr Ahmed added.
The selfless work has been praised by Penny Mordaunt, Portsmouth North MP, who said: ‘India Quay have made a very generous offer and are an example of the incredible community support shown by individuals and community groups across our city.
‘The isolation measures and the strain on business will be here for sometime. So we need to keep working together and helping in the coming weeks.
‘Every bit helps and I want to say a huge thank you to all who are stepping up.’
India Quay has teamed up with Copnor-based wholesalers Bookers, who are assisting them with logistics and supplies.
Lloyd Gillingham, delivery manager at the store, said: ‘I’m proud of what we’re doing to help.
‘This isn’t being altruistic, it’s about helping those people who really need it. That’s a message that comes from the top down all the way down in Bookers.’
Mr Ahmed said the food offering was only for vulnerable and isolated residents from the poorest communities. To be considered for a curry parcel, call 023 9238 7559.
Mr Ahmed has also appealed for other businesses to join the initiative, offering their own food or services.