COVID Diaries: Olivia helps to feed the vulnerable

Scholarship student Olivia Marshall is one of the many inspirational people across the country devoting their efforts to helping the vulnerable during the present Covid-19 pandemic.

It’s an interesting story and one we invited Olivia to share with us:

My mum works as the chef for the charity Holbeck Together, so I’ve been working alongside her and other volunteers helping to feed the elderly community and families within Holbeck.

Times are really tough at the moment and many of the elderly are self-isolating. We are providing a hot meal from Tuesday to Thursday, they are having fish and chips delivered on a Friday and Mecca Bingo in Leeds is now providing a meal on a Saturday free of charge. It’s a vital service and a real lifeline to some of the most vulnerable in the community

Many companies have been amazing during this time donating so much food. I had the opportunity to visit FareShare which is a charity providing food to other charities and community groups. This has allowed us to create wholesome meals as well as food bags for those that are unable to get out to the shops.

The initiative is to use the surplus food we have to support families in need. They are receiving packs which include activity booklets for children as well as ingredients and a recipe card for the children to cook with.

Volunteering is a wonderful thing that people can do - anything that anyone can help out with is amazing during this uncertain time.

Scholarship and a BSc (Hons) Food Technology and Product Development degree

The scholarship was something that was advertised with the food courses and after applying I was lucky enough to be awarded the Hospitality Scholarship. 

A scholarship has helped massively, it has allowed me to go on a university trip to the Netherlands and has enabled me to get my CIEH Intermediate Food Safety and CIEH Intermediate HACCP qualifications. Scholarships are something I would recommend applying for as they provide extra opportunities alongside university studies.

Harper has great connections within the food industry, it has allowed me to see from farm to fork and gives me the opportunity of a third year placement. I have always had a passion for food and love being creative.

Have a story to share about your work, degree course, or Harper experience? Let us know at press@harper-adams.ac.uk