Restaurants offer free meals to self-isolated elderly

The indomitable human spirit will see us through this current situation. Let’s be kind to others and care for our community. – British Bangladeshi Catering Association

Elderly people in self-isolation can order a free nutritious meal thanks to a scheme kickstarted by the British Bangladeshi Catering Association (BBCA).

While subject to availability, these meals are available for collection on a first come first served basis by calling any of the participating outlets listed below.

Almost 40 members of BBCA, which represents Bangladeshi-owned restaurants and takeaways, have already signed up to this initiative with the industry body calling on others (members or otherwise) to join.

One participant, Taj Tandoori in Cambridge said: “We want to do our bit to help our community and especially the most in need at this difficult time. We are offering a free meal every day to five elderly members of our community. This will compose of a poppadum, starter, curry and rice or bread.”

With the government having advised the elderly to self-isolate as protection against the coronavirus, BBCA says it is “extremely concerned for the elderly and vulnerable” and aims to provide them with a “nutritional meal full of proteins and carbohydrates”.

Once the order has been confirmed, the BBCA recommends that “ideally a member of your family should collect the order” adding: “But if you don’t have any relatives nearby, then our members will do all that is viable to get the meal to your door.”

Currently the following establishments are ready to receive orders (NB – the Halal status of the restaurants below has NOT been verified):