An Open Letter to the Food and Drink Keyworkers of Kent

Produced in Kent The Coachworks Dover Place Ashford TN23 1HU An Open Letter to the Food and Drink Keyworkers of Kent To everyone running a business in the local, independent food and drink industry, who has responded to these unprecedented times by offering support and additional services for the local community, you have gone above and beyond. We felt it was time to formally recognise your hard work, dedication and professionalism over the past few months during the Covid-19 lockdown. Please accept an enormous thank you from us all. Whether you’re a farmer growing, milking, harvesting and planting, or a producer who has been selling directly to customers, a hospitality outlet offering takeaway services or a retailer supporting the local community or donating to the local NHS services, whatever you’ve done - no matter how big or small - your efforts have been vital. And we want to tell you that those efforts have been hugely appreciated, for many of us, they’ve been a lifeline. You have been - and still are - part of a tremendous county-wide effort to keep Kent fed and help people stay safe. We are now in the third month of lockdown and we know that you are still working extremely long hours. You have kept us all going and we are so grateful for your tireless commitment. To the people of Kent who have benefitted from these amazing local food and drink producers, who are driven by a passion for what they do, we ask you to join us in recognising their hard work. Thank your local shop for staying open and implementing social distancing guidelines, thank your local pub or restaurant for offering takeaway services or delivering to vulnerable customers. Tell them in person how grateful you are for all they’ve done and what it has meant to you personally or why not give them a tip or buy them a drink to show your appreciation? We are incredibly proud of all the outstanding food and drink businesses who have stepped up in the fight to keep Kent going in extremely challenging times. Yours Sincerely, Produced in Kent Help Kent Buy Local with Patron Amanda Cottrel OBE