A vast chilled container from HM Naval Base Portsmouth was delivered to Fratton Park today (April 9) to help protect vulnerable residents in the local area.
The Hive are coordinating the support for Portsmouth's most vulnerable residents during the Covid-19 pandemic and volunteers from Pompey in the Community (PitC) are supporting the food delivery.
The container will be used for storage of refrigerated goods – prior to delivery – to those who need it most in the city.
Clare Martin, CEO of PitC, said: "Pompey in the Community staff have been volunteering tirelessly for The Hive, who are coordinating the food delivery throughout the city.
"It's been humbling to see the way the city has come together to ensure everyone is provided for."
"It's been humbling to see the way the city has come together to ensure everyone is provided for.
"This container will mean that we can accept more donations of fresh produce to include in the hundreds of food parcels that are being delivered each week.
"If any other companies have anything at all they can donate, please let us know."
To help provide meals to vulnerable residents, the naval base responded to a request from @portsmouthtoday for freezer space. This chilled container has been moved to @Pompey and is just part of what UK Armed Forces are doing in the national coronavirus response. pic.twitter.com/TTDu29Vx6k
— HMNB Portsmouth (@HMNBPortsmouth) April 9, 2020
As well as Royal Navy personnel being ready to assist civilian authorities during the national response to the coronavirus epidemic, the base can also call upon stores normally used to support warship operations.
Containers like these supplement fridges and freezers when servicing is taking place on board.
The base has now set aside one to support Portsmouth City Council’s effort to ensure vulnerable residents are provided with food during the national lockdown.
Captain of the Base, Captain David George, said: “The people and resources of Portsmouth Naval Base are ready to assist the city and wider community, particularly when we can contribute to protecting the most vulnerable residents.
“We’re pleased to support our local community alongside our Portsmouth City Council colleagues at a time when we all face challenging circumstances in the fight against coronavirus.”