In times of supply-and-demand uncertainty amidst the global outbreak of COVID-19, Wiltshire Farm Foods - who are based in Douglas’ Spring Valley Industrial Estate - are on a mission to ensure that the Isle of Man’s elderly and vulnerable are catered for by working with other local businesses to support the Island’s supply chain.

The company currently serves 500 homes with regular deliveries of freshly-prepared frozen meals, yet can support many more during this time of economic apprehension.

Company director Ben Heath said: ’During these challenging and unprecedented times it’s essential for us all to do what we can to protect the vulnerable.

As we are already delivering to some of the most vulnerable people in our society who have been advised to self-isolate, we want to supply them with more than just their fresh-frozen meals.

’We have a plentiful stock of meals, so new and existing customers can order confidently.’

Ben and his team are currently working hard behind the scenes to introduce additional products to their catalogue, with the aim to provide weekly essentials in addition to their fresh-frozen meals.

As well as monitoring industry recommendations surrounding coronavirus with regards to ensuring the health and safety of their clients and workforce, Wiltshire Farm Foods are taking extra steps to give their customers reassurance through regular updates at the time of order right through to delivery.

Alongside this week’s usual deliveries, the team partnered with Noa Bakehouse and the Isle of Man Creamery to ensure the Island’s most vulnerable residents receive basic essentials at no cost to customers.

#We’d like to thank Noa Bakehouse and the Isle of Man Creamery for increasing production this week to supply our customers with some essentials. We’ve already received some fantastic heartwarming feedback. The volume of calls we are handling really brings into focus the number of isolated people we have on the island, we’ll continue to do everything we can to provide reassurance to the island’s community,’ said Ben.

’If people are concerned about parents, grandparents, or neighbours, this service can support them. Orders can be placed on their behalf via the website or by calling the team, and there are over 300 dishes to choose from.’

Wiltshire Farm Foods are also appealing to the island’s wider business network - particularly those within the catering and hospitality sectors - who have products that those who are self-isolating may have trouble obtaining.

’It’s important for us to support other local businesses at this time, especially those in the local food supply chain,’ said Ben. ’Small businesses are at the heart of the island’s community, which is why we need to be supporting them however we can.

’There are vulnerable individuals who have had to social distance yet would still like access to products such milk and bread and Wiltshire Farm Foods is happy to assist with home delivery for other smaller businesses wherever we can. We are stronger together.’

In addition to taking orders for individuals, they are also working to support care homes, and have recently reached out to other assisted living operations which may require assistance with catering.

Through their sister brand Apetito, Wiltshire Farm Foods can also provide multi-portion nutritional meals that cater for specific dietary requirements such as malnutrition, diabetes, and dysphagia, and they have the capacity to increase their orders to meet the needs of the Island.

All Wiltshire orders are fulfilled locally. Orders can be placed by calling 626393 or online at www.wiltshirefarmfoods.com. Small businesses wishing to discuss home delivery options or their products can use the same contact details.