A daily delivery of bread, thanks to the kindness and commitment of local community groups, volunteers and businesses, is making a big difference to some of Stockport’s most vulnerable residents.
Every day, for a number of weeks, Allied Bakeries has donated over 200 loaves of bread to vulnerable residents and those affected by food poverty as a result of Covid 19. The bread, which now totals over 4000 loaves, is collected daily by the Council from the bakery’s production facility on Bredbury Industrial Estate and delivered directly to local community groups, foodbanks and charities to distribute to those who are self-isolating or have difficulty accessing food. Allied Bakeries are also donating bread directly to the NHS, including Stepping Hill Hospital.
The feedback has been overwhelming; with one recipient moved to tears when she was told she could have a whole loaf to herself. Others have said that it’s a ‘lifesaver’ with one elderly lady saying: ‘The bread delivery makes everything go further, I started to really enjoy a bowl of soup and I always have marmalade on toast when I get the bread.’
Councillor Amanda Peers, Cabinet Member for Inclusive Neighbourhoods at Stockport Council, said: “It is really heartening to see the many ways local businesses, community organisations and neighbourhood groups have pulled together to support our most vulnerable residents. We should never underestimate the differnce something as simple as a fresh loaf of bread can make to people’s lives in these difficult and challenging times.
“Services and acts of generosity like these act as a lifeline to so many, not only providing much needed provisions but they are also the perfect opportunity for people to check in on neighbours and offer support. The comments and feedback have been so inspiring - a huge thank you to everyone involved.”
Allied Bakeries employ circa 500 staff at its Stockport site and are one of the borough’s largest employers. They are part of Associated British Foods, an international food, ingredients and retail group which has annual sales over £15.6 billion, employing 138,000 people in 50 different countries. Its brands include Twinnings, Patak’s, Silver Spoon and Ryvita as well as the fashion retailer, Primark. Stockport Bakery operates 24/7 producing a range of bakery products, delivering to over 1,000 customer every day and is the Northwest home of Kingsmill.
Regional General Manager, Carl Hampson said; “I am immensely proud of my team here at Allied Bakeries Stockport and the part we play in the local community, especially during these challenging times when all our lives have changed due to the Coronavirus outbreak. So the fact that we can make a difference by donating fresh Kingsmill bread every day to Stockport Council who distribute it to those who are most vulnerable in our region is truly humbling. We all have a part to play in making sure no one needs to walk alone.”
Joining Stockport Food Bank, Chelwood Food Bank Plus, All Saints Connect in Marple and the Wellspring, two new organisations - Gatley Food Bank and Shaw Heath Food Bank - have set up in recent weeks to provide food and other essential items to the borough’s most vulnerable people. These six organisations operate across 15 sites and are supported by an army of volunteers who tirelessly give their time and effort to support those in need.
If you, or someone you know, is in the need of support, please contact the council’s dedicated helpline on 0161 217 6046 where a team of call handlers will provide the appropriate referral to a network of support organisations including food banks. The helpline is open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and on Saturday’s and Bank Holidays from 10am to 4pm.