Pembrokeshire growers Puffin Produce teamed up with Norton Farm to donate 15 tonnes of potatos to the NHS staff in the wake of the the coronavirus pandemic.
Puffin Produce, who grow the PGI status Pembrokeshire Early potato variety bagged 1,200 sacks of potatoes delivered to 1,200 medical staff at Withybush General Hospital, in Haverfordwest.
Norton Farms delivered six hundred of the 12.5kg sacks last Wednesday, and a further 600 bags to be delivered on Friday to ensure all of the workers working day and night shifts at the hospital each receive a bag, in a monumental effort from the Welsh growers.
Huw Thomas, managing director of Puffin Produce Ltd said: “All of the workers at Withybush are an important part of our local community and the donation came about as the team at Puffin wanted to thank our wonderful NHS workers for the continued commitment and hard work they have shown in light of the coronavirus pandemic.”
“As a major supplier to the supermarkets in Wales we are extremely aware of the current pressures on the country; and especially on our NHS workers. The donation is our way of thanking them and, in the hope that, after a gruelling day at work, they will be able to enjoy a little taste of Pembrokeshire at home.”
James Smith, head of supply at Puffin Produce who co-ordinated the delivery to the Hospital with Norton Farm added: “The reaction we have had to doing this has been absolutely amazing – all of the hospital staff were delighted – even the Hospital Director came out to thank us for our donation, so we made everyone happy and that is exactly what we wanted to do.”
