Fresh kosher mealsonmenu at the Royal Free

BEDSIDE KOSHER has announced the successful launch of its fresh meals service for patients in the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead.

The food will replace the frozen meals Jewish hospital patients have been receiving for more than 50 years. It means that Bedside Kosher will become the official provider for kosher meals in the Royal Free.

Jewish patients will no longer have to order in fresh meals as they will now be provided with these directly.

Bedside Kosher was founded by Ari Feferkorn following his own unhappy experience of hospital kosher food and similar feedback from others.

It started by providing breakfasts, previously unavailable to kosher patients, going on to offer lunches and dinners.

It can cater to those who are vegetarian or who require gluten-free, lactosefree or sugar-free foods.

The service has more than 100 volunteers and delivers in excess of 400 fresh meals to hospitals in the capital weekly.

It also trains hospital staff, explaining the principles of kosher food and how the meals should be heated and served.

Mr Feferkorn said patients “valued our meals — and they help with their recovery”. Demand had risen during the pandemic with family members being unable to take in kosher food to loved ones.

Executive director Anthony Shaw reported that calls were being received daily from patients.

“We are working hard with many NHS trusts to offer our services so that Jewish patients can enjoy fresh meals and snacks daily, just like all other patients, direct through the hospital.”

He added that the service was reliant on voluntary donations. “We are continuing to have discussions with the hospitals to supply our kosher meals at a subsidised rate as they are unable to fully fund a fresh kosher offering.

“Our service extends to visitors, patients admitted out of hours and family members who are with them.”

Patients can also receive dedicated Shabbat and Yomtov meal kits including a kiddush cup, two challot and grape juice.