Hemel restaurant delivers meals to those in need during coronavirus pandemic

A Vegan restaurant in Hemel Hempstead has been delivering cooked meals to the the elderly, NHS staff and families in need.

Vegan Spartan, which opened in the Marlowes in November last year, wanted to do something to help the community during these tough times.

Originally they planned to open the restaurant on a Saturday night to offer a free buffet but were unable to do this because of social distancing.

They now deliver around 100 meals a week to elderly people, NHS staff, refugees and families in need in Hemel Hempstead and Watford.

Elena Turturica, restaurant manager, said: "While we were running our fundraising campaign, we were invited by Open Kitchens to pledge our restaurant to cook for the community.

"So we embarked on a second fundraising campaign on Just Giving. We are blessed with clients and friends, and clients that became friends that donated and that are keeping this project going.

"Every business is going through hard times but the strength is in the unity.

"If we work together we can help each other overcome this period and be there for those most vulnerable in our community.

"We still need help to be able to continue for a longer period of time and people can help by donating on the Crowdfunder page or by placing an order and 10 per cent will go towards the community project.

"We would love to cook more meals, which is why we have set up the fundraising page, so if anyone would like to donate they can."

Open Kitchens uses closed restaurant kitchens to provide free, nutritious meals for the vulnerable, elderly and key workers.

To make a donation visit: www.crowdfunder.co.uk/vegan-spartan or www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/veganspartanopenkitchensuk.

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