Coronavirus crisis: Hungry Tasmanians urged to eat out, visit food trucks and support local outlets

There’s an important way Tasmanians can help support local food businesses during the coronavirus crisis, says a Hobart food blog says.

A HOBART food blog has launched a campaign to get hungry Tasmanians into local businesses to help them survive what it calls “troubling times for the Tasmanian hospitality industry.”

Yippee Pie Yay, adventures in foods and stuffs, says there are many ways local consumers can help one of the industries that will be hardest hit by the coronavirus crisis.

Suggestions include skipping delivery in favour of dining out, visiting roadside vendors and supporting food trucks.

Big Henry’s Food Van lamented on its Facebook site this week that tough times were on the horizon as more and more public events are cancelled.

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“During the last couple of days we have seen every major event on our calendar cancelled for the foreseeable future,” the owners said.

“This is not a pity post but we need your help to ensure our survival.”

Yippee Pie Yay said local food businesses were getting creative as they fought to survive.

“Belles Burgers recently advertised that they will even bring your order out to your car and many others will happily do the same if asked,” the blog said.

“Support farmers markets while they are still here, visit roadside vendors in rural areas. Taking a drive is still isolation.”

Maile Ingall, store manager of Eumarrah in Hobart, encourages people to shop locally while stocking up on food and essentials. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The blog has also sent shoppers in the direction of smaller businesses rather than the big supermarkets where panic buyers are stripping the shelves of staples.

“When stocking up, Spice World and Eumarrah Hobart Natural and Organic Food are generally cheaper than the major supermarkets for dried goods, and they taste a lot better as well. Hill Street Grocer and Salamanca Fresh have the cheapest fresh fruit and vegetables that will last much longer,” the blog says.

Maile Ingall from Eumarrah Hobart said conditions right now were busier than Christmas.

“People are definitely buying up, especially bulk foods. I’d like to remind customers our warehouse in Derwent Park delivers daily,”

The store is also increasing its hygiene protocols with hand sanitiser at the front entrance and bin scoops being regularly sterilised.

The blog also reminded everyone a shot of caffeine can be good in tough times.

“Buy a coffee, buy your neighbour a coffee, check with community groups if anyone nearby could do with a hot beverage. For cafes every single patron really does count,” it said.