A LISKEARD-based export company is doing what it can to support families in need and boost local businesses at the same time.
Ideal Foods Ltd has donated £500 to the Liskeard and Looe Foodbank to help it continue its vital work providing food and supplies to people locally this winter. Staff at the company also donated mince pies, Christmas puddings and chocolate for the boxes that will be distributed this month.
Meanwhile, Ideal Foods has also responded to a plea from the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, printed in The Cornish Times, for support of local traders.
The company has come up with an ingenious way to enable its staff to still have a meal on them this Christmas, while supporting two publicans in the area.
The traditional Christmas works do may not be possible this year, due to restrictions on party numbers under the COVID-19 guidelines. Not wanting the venues to miss out on the income they would normally have gained from hosting the company’s Christmas meal, Ideal Foods has given each of its staff two £50 meal vouchers – one to be redeemed at the Halfway House in Polbathic and the other for the Finnygook Inn at Crafthole.
Landlord at the Halfway House Lloyd Halliday said: “Considering the current climate and its effect on all business sectors, we very much appreciate the support offered by Ideal Foods, in lieu of their usual Christmas party.
“This is another great example of how businesses can and have adapted during the pandemic.”
Tony Horner, managing director of Ideal Foods, commented: “These are still the most extraordinary times and the impact COVID-19 is having on businesses worldwide, in particular the entertainment and hospitality sectors, is just devastating.
“The Finnygook and the Halfway House are two of South East Cornwall’s best traditional pubs and restaurants, serving delicious food made from ingredients sourced from local suppliers. It is so important to support these businesses during this difficult time or they will be lost forever.
“We very much hope that more businesses like ours will think outside of the box this Christmas time and do their bit to support our local hospitality sector.”