A BUSINESS which provides produce to more than 100 Bradford schools has rapidly diversified to help support the nation.

Fresh Pastures, which is based in Wakefield, operates across the North of England and normally makes more than 3,000 deliveries per day to local authorities, schools and businesses.

The firm supplies milk, cheese, bread and other produce to the likes of Appleton Academy, in Wyke, and Saltaire Primary, but lost 97 per cent of its business after the school closures, in response to the coronavirus outbreak.

Rather than rest on their laurels though, Fresh Pastures is quickly refiguring its operations to ensure children, the vulnerable, the elderly and those self-isolating, can continue to receive nutritious food during the COVID-19 crisis.

Dawn Carney, Managing Director at Fresh Pastures, explains: "In these exceptionally challenging times, we all need to adapt quickly and use whatever resources we have to support each other, whether that’s in providing valuable help and support or thinking innovatively to keep our businesses functioning.

"As schools have closed temporarily, so has 97 per cent of our business.

"But we still have a robust distribution infrastructure and recognise that we have an opportunity to redistribute our services to offer a vital resource for our communities.

"In the last 48 hours, we have completely changed our entire operation."

This includes working with local authorities to provide a packed lunch for the children of "Key Workers" and those with special needs, who are staying in school and still need a meal provided.

There are also those who receive free school meals, but are now learning at home.

The Government announced this system would be replaced with a voucher scheme, whereby families could exchange them for a meal from a supermarket or local store.

But, Fresh Pastures also wants to step in here too.

Mrs Carney said: "Whilst the Government’s announcement that these children will be receiving vouchers is welcome, there are concerns about how we ensure those vouchers are used for nutritious food.

"We are in discussions with service providers to demonstrate how we can provide healthy packed lunches to these youngsters."

The firm has a fleet of 40 refrigerated vans and so has touted the idea of providing produce for elderly people too - be it supplying care homes, or creating a meals-on-wheels service.

Part of this process has been setting up an e-commerce website where people can order food directly to their door.

Finally, Fresh Pastures is tackling foodbank shortages by donating any produce that is moving towards the end of its shelf life.

Mrs Carney said: "We are also looking to work in partnership with similar like-minded businesses who can help to create a dynamic hub of support.”

"This combination of activity means we can play a vital part in helping our communities through this extraordinary period.

"By moving quickly and working collaboratively, we are proving that businesses like ours can provide essential support when our public services are dealing with extreme pressures and rapidly changing circumstances.

"At Fresh Pastures, we are immensely proud of our team who are working around the clock as we face this challenge together, motivated, committed and ready to serve."