Lancaster and Morecambe College staff peel vegetables in coronavirus relief effort

Staff at Lancaster & Morecambe College have been supporting their local community during the Covid-19 pandemic, by taking to the campus’ catering kitchens and peeling pounds of vegetables.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

In partnership with Lancaster City Council and the Eggcup food poverty project, the LMC catering staff have been joined by volunteers from the college’s Health & Safety & Engagement Teams, who have all helped turn donations of vegetables, meat & dairy produce into over 500 healthy and nutritious meals, ready to be distributed to vulnerable families across the district.

The College’s Engagement manager, Victoria Carter, was one of those who helped prep the ingredients.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

She said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the College to help support those most in need within our community.

Wes Johnson principal of Lancaster and Morecambe CollegeWes Johnson principal of Lancaster and Morecambe College
Wes Johnson principal of Lancaster and Morecambe College

"With all of our students being taught remotely via on-line learning platforms, due to the current social distancing guidance, our industry-standard catering kitchens were just standing empty.

"It seemed like the ideal opportunity for us to get involved with this project and our staff were keen to volunteer their time and expertise.

"The food was donated to Eggcup by local businesses and our talented team of chefs created a range of curries, pies and soups, which will now be distributed by volunteers from the project.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I never thought I would enjoy peeling onions for two hours solid, but knowing that we are helping people out during these uncertain times, makes it all worthwhile!”

Local food businesses, including Whitewells, Speights, Althams and Stephensons have agreed to donate more produce in the coming weeks, so the chefs are busy planning the next 500 meals.

Any businesses wishing to donate should email [email protected]

The College’s Health & Safety team have also donated large quantities of PPE to the Lancashire Resilience Forum, including gloves, face-masks and aprons. This equipment would have been used by staff and students across a range of vocational training and real work environments, but will now be distributed to workers in the local healthcare sector.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Principal, Wes Johnson, “We are proud of the College’s place at the heart of our community and we have never been more committed to supporting local projects which benefit those who are most in need. Whilst we have now transitioned fully to on-line teaching & learning, the College remains open to those students who require our support throughout these challenging times. “