Many takers for Musselburgh retailer’s ‘essentials kits’  

Musselburgh’s Pinkie Farm is among the many convenience stores that have been acting as a pillar of support to the local community ever since the preventive measures against COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the normal life in the country.

On Monday (30 March), the store has rolled out a new service to help shoppers stay safe and remain indoors during the virus outbreak, with its ‘essentials kits’.

Launched via social media, the first 100 packs were ordered within 24 hours and those who have already received them have been very positive in their feedback.

“The key focus was to ensure that those who really needed the help were getting it. We knew a lot of vulnerable people were unable to source any groceries at all and they are the people we are prioritising,” said Dan Brown, managing director of Pinkie Farm, and senior vice president of Scottish Grocers Federation (SGF).

Brown is set to assume the presidency of the SGF later this year, becoming federation’s youngest ever president.

The kits, costing £25, comprise a range of key items including milk, eggs, bacon, a steak pie, various fruit and vegetables, a multi pack of crisps and a few sweet treats. Shoppers are required to make their order via email with deliveries then made by store staff, free of charge.

“The contents of the kits are aimed at feeding two to three people and are compiled of the products we have been asked for regularly over the last week or so,” Brown explained.

“Initially the kits can’t be altered or added to, as this will significantly decrease the number of people we’ll be able to help with the resource we have. We will however be looking to expand our capabilities over the coming weeks to allow customers to order products more freely.”

Yesterday (1 April), in a gesture of solidarity to fellow retailers, Pinkie Farm made available products from nearby Elena Di Rollo’s cafe, which was forced to temporarily close due to the ongoing crisis.

“This week you will be able to buy some of their fantastic Easter products in our store, which will not only be an incredible gift or treat for easter, but will also mean you will be helping out this brilliant local business as well,” the store said in a Facebook post.

“All of the retail prices will remain exactly the same as they were in Elena’s store, meaning all of her loyal customers will still be able to buy the same products at the same prices until the store can re-open.”

Brown, a Nisa partner, earlier this week donated £500 to East Lothian Sunday Fresh Chicken Dinner Boxes, which delivers free food boxes to the needy, from the shop’s Making A Difference Locally (MADL) fund.

“Dan continues to come up with solutions to help those living in his community and he deserves a huge amount of praise for what he and his team are doing, on a daily basis, during this very difficult time,” commented Matthew Howie, Nisa’s retail development manager.