Volunteers at a church food programme gave up their day of rest to provide people with meals as Hurricane Paulette neared Bermuda.

David Thompson, a spokesman for Christ Church in Warwick, said the scheme, which normally runs from Monday to Saturday, drafted in seven kitchen volunteers and six drivers last Sunday “so that people had food for Monday”.

He added: “We delivered about 75 to 80 meals on Sunday, and we also had 50 pick-ups.”

Mr Thompson said people were called on Saturday to let them know the programme would be operating on Sunday.

He added: “They were all very grateful to pick up some food for Monday.”

The church on Middle Road lost power on Monday after Hurricane Paulette hit.

But Mr Thompson said Belco was able to restore power yesterday morning.

The programme provided meals for 217 people yesterday, including 77 pick-ups, and 65 delivered by volunteer drivers.

Mr Thompson added that 75 meals were given to the Eliza DoLittle Society for distribution today.

He said: “I am glad we opened today, we had some new people as well. It’s a sign of the times, I think.”

The food programme at Christ Church was launched in April to help people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

It normally operates from noon until 2pm six days a week.

Two meals are served on Saturdays to make up for the programme’s closure on Sundays.

Between 150 and 200 meals, made up of a starch, vegetable, protein, bread, plus a dessert, are served every day.