REFUGEES in the Calais Jungle will this week be eating wholesome food from the camp Community Kitchen thanks to donations that poured into Hay Deli over the New Year.
Store owner Derek Glashan decided to support the Refugee Community Kitchen that feeds around 2,000 displaced people in Calais and Dunkirk after reading a post on Twitter from the Welsh vegetarian foodie firm, the Parsnipship.
When he heard the business, known for its food stall in Hay during the festivals, would be taking food to cook this week, he sorted through the shop’s stores and appealed to others to make food and cash donations.
In just two days Derek said he had more than enough food to fill his car and had taken more than £700 in donations.
He took it all to the Parsnipship in Cardiff on Sunday, January 3.
“We collected £740 within two days. I was open between December 31 and January 2 and took donations in the shop for two days.
“The support has come in a lot of ways from the businesses of Hay who have donated money. There were a number of food donations but it was mostly money this time around,” said Derek.
He says he’ll continue to support the work of the Parsnipship, whose head chef, Ben Moss, is following in the footsteps of other chefs and caterers including former Jamie Oliver apprentice, Jai Harrower and St John’s in London, who have worked stints in Calais.
“The Parsnipship had spoken to the organisers in Calais who said they were running out of food. Ben was tasked with sending out fresh supplies,” said Derek.
He added: “The Community Kitchen was set up by chefs and is supported by chefs and caterers who go out to do cooking. It’s a good thing to support and continue to support.
“I will probably make another trip to Cardiff but we are going to try and aim to take financial donations now so I will be able to buy from my wholesaler in Bristol in bulk; 25 kilogram sacks of pulses and rice, which can be delivered to Cardiff so I don’t need to be driving back and forth.”
He said food needed by chefs in Calais includes pulses, rice, spice, dried fruit and fresh vegetables with the kitchen geared to cater for a Middle Eastern and North African palate.
Anyone who would like to make a donation can contact Derek at Hay Deli. E-mail: [email protected] or call 01497 820708. The Old Electric Shop in Hay is also due to start taking donations.