Another helping hand from one of Fiji's friends.

Bumble Bee Foods has confirmed a shipment of non-perishable food products to the Fiji Islands to provide assistance to those affected by Hurricane Tomas.

The US based food manufacturer is shipping $200,000 of ready-to-eat seafood and poultry food to PAFCO to distribute through government officials directing relief efforts.

Bumble Bee Chief Operating Officer Douglas Hines said while it is too early to assess the impact to the fishing community, they are relieved to know that the cyclone has passed.

Bumble Bee Foods is a strategic partner to PAFCO and Fiji through it is operating and supply agreements that involves tuna processing at the Levuka based production facility.    

Meanwhile, the British High Commission has announced that it will give $295,000 to the Fiji Red Cross to assist in its relief and rehabilitation efforts after Hurricane Tomas.

High Commissioner Mac McLachlan said there is a need to get help quickly to the worst affected areas.

McLachlan said by making the contribution available, they hope the Fiji Red Cross will be able to address quickly some of the immediate needs of those affected.

He said their sympathy is with the many thousands in evacuation centres and those who remain without access to basic amenities.