This spring, Morrison's has brought back its 'Ask for Henry' scheme in its cafes, which offers a free hot meal to anyone who needs it in a bid to help the country through the cost of living crisis.
First launched in October last year, the initiative - which helped feed tens of thousands of people during its first run - is back for the next two weeks between April 24 and May 7, and will see anyone who "asks for Henry" given a jacket potato topped with Heinz Beanz for free, with no questions asked.
After the scheme returned to all 397 Morrison's cafes nationwide this week, Yorkshire Live reporter Megan Shaw headed down to her local supermarket to see just how "straightforward and discreet" the scheme actually is. Below, she details her experience.
The cost of living crisis continues to affect everyone across Yorkshire and nationwide, with many struggling to afford their weekly food shop, especially those with families at home to feed. However, accessing food banks, charities and community centres could be daunting to those who have never found themselves in the position of needing to ask for help before.
Fortunately, Morrisons has stepped up to offer support to those in need in a subtle and discreet manner. The special code word aims to be met with support whilst ensuring that the customer's needs are met discreetly.
The brilliant scheme, which helped thousands previously, is back for two weeks, running from Monday, April 24 to Sunday, May 7. I decided to head to my local Morrison's café and try it out.
I was delighted to see a large poster advertising the 'Ask For Henry' initiative as I approached the café. This reassured me and presumably others entering for the same reason, that my request would be understood avoiding any awkwardness.
I approached the till to be greeted with a smile from a friendly staff member who asked me what I would like, I responded: "Could I please have a latte and a Henry?"
"No problem at all," said the friendly staff member, I paid for the latte and she handed me a table number and told me to take a seat. However, it's worth noting you do not need to order a drink or pay for anything to get a Henry, I was just cold and fancied a coffee!
The interaction instantly put me at ease and I felt like any other customer, despite the fact I hadn't paid for my food. The café was fairly busy, however, the hot and nutritious meal was delivered to me in a matter of minutes and nobody blinked an eye.
There is nothing obvious that indicates that the meals are free and I felt no different to any other paying customer. The meal was simple but tasty, healthy and filling.
The jacket potato was cooked well and was filled with an ample amount of beans and served with a tasty side salad and I would have been happy if I'd have been served this as a paying customer. The whole process was straightforward, discreet and more importantly, actually enjoyable.
I was treated with the same level of customer service as anybody else and it really eased my mind that anybody needing to use this service would not be made to feel embarrassed, singled out or judged at all. I left feeling a sense of peace that the initiative is running in Morrison's cafes and that there is help available for those in need. I would really recommend a Henry lunch to anyone who needs it.
For transparency, as I didn't need this meal and wouldn't want to take it from somebody who does, I offered to pay for it afterwards explaining that I was conducting a social experiment for an article. I was told by the very friendly staff that they didn't have the option to process payment for the meal on the till and that it would not be necessary. Therefore, I donated the cost of the meal, which would have cost me £4.48, in the charity box instead.
If you need a free, warming meal, simply 'ask for Henry' at your nearest Morrisons café and you will be given a free Heinz Beanz and jacket potato with salad, until stocks last. The offer is available from Monday, April, 24 to Sunday, May, 7.
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