Takeaway delivery platform Foodhub has revealed record figures for online orders over the past couple of weekends and has launched its ‘Takeaway the Safe Way’ scheme to support businesses.
During the Covid-19 crisis, many businesses are shutting down and the majority of the country is in isolation, but this hasn’t stopped people from ordering their favourite food.
Takeaway orders have increased by 33%. However, in contrast to these findings, Foodhub has also reported that 36% of takeaways closed within a seven-day period.
Many takeaway and restaurant owners are concerned about the safety of their families and staff. Foodhub’s new ‘Takeaway the Safe Way’ scheme has been designed to support those who are committed to staying open.
The initiative will help educate and protect takeaway staff so they can continue to feel safe whilst operating and meeting this rise in demand.
‘Takeaway the Safe Way’ gives takeaway owners and staff free access to resources and learning materials to help them fully understand concepts such as contactless delivery.
It will also give them access to a hotline and community advice website, so that if they find themselves in an uncomfortable situation or they’re not sure what they should do for the best, they can speak to a community care mentor.
Philip Mostyn, chief operating officer at Foodhub, said: “We’re all doing our best to navigate these unprecedented times, and understandably many takeaway owners are choosing to close.
“We decided to set up our hotline and resource service to support the takeaways that want to stay open so that they have access to learning materials as well as support and guidance to help them feel more confident with this decision.”
In addition to the supporting materials and community care mentors, Foodhub is launching its ‘Takeaway Care Champion’ initiative to celebrate the positive news in the world.
It will champion those in the takeaway industry who are going above and beyond to continue to help people and make them smile during isolation.
The public can share stories and nominate their Takeaway Care Champion, helping to recognise those who are committed to working through these tough times.
Philip added: “We all truly believe in helping one another and we want to not only donate food and money, but champion those that are on the frontline bringing food to people who are isolated and supporting those that are less fortunate.
“We are trying to tap into the positivity that may be difficult for some people to find right now by encouraging people to share great stories, celebrate those who have helped them and to continuing enjoying their favourite foods whilst they are practicing social distancing.”
Visit the ‘Takeaway the Safeway’ website now for support and guidance on operating a takeaway during lockdown, and to nominate your Takeaway Care Champion, share their story on the Foodhub Facebook page.
