A READY meal provider is taking steps to reduce carbon emissions and protect the environment.

The Christchurch branch of Wiltshire Farm Foods has acquired a fleet of Electric Vehicles (EVs) for its delivery of meals to some of society’s most vulnerable.

The company in Wilverley Road has demonstrated its commitment to reaching Net Zero targets by mobilising its ‘industry-first’ fleet of refrigerated EVs.

Driver supervisor John Leatherbarrow explained: “We’re in the business of sometimes driving great distances to deliver to our customers so the fact that we’re doing our bit for the environment means a great deal to the team here."

Thanks to parent company, apetito, the branch has benefitted from £14.3m investment to convert 75 per cent of the entire Wiltshire Farm Foods fleet nationwide to EVs before the end of 2025.

This change is set to save 1,358 tonnes of CO2e per year.

Many of the vehicles also have the addition of solar panels, enabling them to generate their own electricity whilst the vans are on in motion.

Branch manager Tim Willcox said: “It’s been fascinating to understand more about the technology involved with these EVs and great to see the enthusiasm of our drivers as they take to the roads in them.

“Having recently been awarded a King’s Awards for Sustainable Development due to our closed-loop recycling scheme with our food trays, we’re really pleased to expand further on our sustainability credentials in this way.”