An Aberystwyth restaurant is donating one meal for every four bought, to support local NHS workers during the coronavirus pandemic.

Medina launched its Pay It Forward scheme, which will allow the community to buy meals for NHS workers while simultaneously supporting a local business.

Through the Medina online shop people can purchase an NHS Pay it Forward meal for £10. Medina will then contribute one meal for every four purchased.

As of 18 April, 129 meals were purchased through the scheme, with the promised contribution from Medina bringing the total meals available to 161.

Medina is hoping to provide 50 meals a week, with them providing 48 meals for NHS workers last week and 25 the week before. As of 18 April, 88 meals remained in the scheme.

The meal consists of hummus, bread, olives, salads, a main and a cake or biscuit.

Currently Medina is providing meals on two days of the weeks, Thursday and Friday, but the team is hoping to expand this if the scheme continues to be successful.

Medina Rees said: “The Pay It Forward scheme is an opportunity for us to directly support our local NHS workers by giving them a good, homemade meal.

“I wanted to contribute in some way and food is what we do so that seemed like the obvious choice. Eating well is so important.

“It means a lot to be able to do something direct and on a local level. We had to close completely for around 10 days at the end of March as I could no longer see a way through for a bit there, and the worst thing about that period for me was to no longer be participating and contributing to the community at a time when we all need each other the most.

“We are very proud as a business to have become a part of Aber life in recent years and that has only been possible because of the amazing support we receive.

“I remain ever grateful to call this place my home.”

To purchase a meal for NHS workers, visit http://shop.medina-aberystwyth.co.uk/

For NHS staff looking to claim a meal from the scheme for them or their colleagues, email [email protected]