Bristol charity launches UK’s first free food delivery service for homeless

A charity has launched the first free food delivery service for homeless people in the UK.

Caring In Bristol has created Cheers Drive to provide restaurant-quality meals to the most vulnerable during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The project comes as food banks and traditional food services for the homeless, such as voluntary food drops, have suffered due to social distancing advice and regulations.

Chefs, led by Josh Eggleton of the Michelin-starred Pony And Trap, will be supplying daily meals to the homeless and vulnerable in locations across Bristol.

They aim to feed up to 600 homeless people per day, the majority of whom have been moved by Bristol City Council from shelters and off the streets into places where they can self-isolate.

This includes rough sleepers placed in hotel rooms, hostels and emergency accommodation, as well as homeless families places in temporary accommodation.

Josh Eggleton will manage the three kitchens producing food for the project, including his own at The Kensington Arms.

He will have help from Shona Graham of Emmeline and the Hatch at Spike Island, alongside Dominic Borel of Pasta Loco.

Ingredients will be provided by FareShare South West and restaurant donations from those still serving food as a delivery service.

Each homeless person who is placed by Bristol City Council into isolation accommodation will be fed by Cheers Drive.

They will each receive one delivery per day, including a freshly cooked hot meal, as well as a packed lunch and breakfast.

People who wish to support the project are encouraged to buy a takeaway for someone who is homeless.