Haywards Heath fishmonger provides food relief to families in need

The Fresh Fish Shop in Haywards Heath is working with UKHarvest, a not-for-profit perishable food rescue operation and education charity, to provide families with food relief during the pandemic.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

The fishmonger in Commercial Square has already donated half a tonne of frozen fish, which UKHarvest has redistributed to charities – women’s and men’s refuges and youth centres – so that people in need can receive immediate food relief.

Owner Sebastian Candelon said: “We know a lot of people are finding life particularly tough at the moment, which is why our partnership with UKHarvest is vital now, more than ever, helping to reduce food waste and redistribute quality surplus food to those who need it most.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We all have a role to play in helping to protect the NHS and save lives during this incredibly difficult time.

The Fresh Fish Shop in Haywards Heath is providing food relief to families. Picture: The Fresh Fish ShopThe Fresh Fish Shop in Haywards Heath is providing food relief to families. Picture: The Fresh Fish Shop
The Fresh Fish Shop in Haywards Heath is providing food relief to families. Picture: The Fresh Fish Shop

“Our new e-commerce store has enabled the local community to continue shopping with us, from the safety and convenience of their own homes, helping to limit the risk of infection transmission. It has also provided a much-needed lifeline for those people who have been unable to secure online deliveries with larger supermarkets.”

Mr Candelon said with the closure of hospitality venues during the pandemic, the supply of fresh fish has exceeded demand, which, he said, had a devastating effect on local fishermen forced to reduce the price of their catch.

“Despite this, we have continued to pay a fair price for our fish, making regular weekly buying commitments with our suppliers – and transport agents – to enable them to stay afloat,” added Mr Candelon.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We’ve also teamed up with a host of small producers, listing their product in our shop, and expanding our product catalogue beyond the fish occasion. This has provided producers with a virtual shop window and the potential to reach new customers.

“A local foodservice outlet, which found itself out of work during lockdown, has taken on production of fish pies and fishcakes for us, which has helped keep them in business and found a sustainable solution for our offcuts.

“We look forward to serving and supporting our community through the third lockdown and beyond.”

Liz Woodsell, chief operating officer for UKHarvest, said: “We’re very thankful to The Fresh Fish Shop for the frozen fish which they have generously donated to UKHarvest.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“It has been gratefully received by the 200 organisations that we support throughout London and the South of England. This week alone we will donate 30 tonnes of food to vulnerable people and it’s wonderful for us to be able to include fish in our deliveries.”

The Fresh Fish Shop was recently awarded Best Producer in London and the South East in the Great British Food Awards, an accolade which Sebastian attributes to the tireless efforts of his team and to the loyal customers who have continued to support the business during the pandemic.

Related topics: