Tony Macaroni was a big slice of free food giveaway to key workers

STAFF at Ninewells Hospital were among thousands of health workers and carers who received nearly 45,000 free pizza and pasta meals during the coronavirus pandemic. In the lead up to lockdown, Viva Italia, which comprises Tony Macaroni, Tony2Go and Mozza, delivered the meals to 14 Scottish hospitals.

In Dundee, the food was freshly prepared by Tony Macaroni on Whitehall Street, as part of a massive thank you to health workers on the front line, before it was forced to shut its doors. Additionally, more than 3,000 free frozen pasta meals were donated to vulnerable and elderly people and food banks across Scotland, nominated by Tony Macaroni customers. During lockdown, with all the Viva Italia restaurants closed to the public, chefs worked round the clock to prepare thousands of free meals for NHS employees and carers.

Viva Italia said: “Just before lockdown fully commenced, we began delivering free pasta and pizza to hospitals all over Scotland from both Tony Macaroni and Mozza restaurants.

“We supplied the food to keep the nation’s NHS staff going as they battled the pandemic.

“Ninewells Hospital is just 10 minutes from our restaurant, which ensured the food we delivered was fresh and hot.

“We wanted to show our great appreciation for the frontline workers who were under such great pressure.

“On the Tony Macaroni Facebook page, we asked our followers to nominate vulnerable and elderly people to receive free frozen pasta, so they didn’t struggle for food during these difficult times.

“This resulted in more than 3,000 pastas meals being delivered to people all over Scotland, including care homes and local foodbanks.”

Vinnie and Giulio, managers of Tony Macaroni Dundee delivering to Ninewells before lockdown.

The Whitehall Street eatery.