Allied Bakeries’ bread donations a ‘lifesaver’ to Stockport’s most vulnerable

Vulnerable people from across Greater Manchester have benefited from over 18,000 loaves of bread donated by Stockport-based Allied Bakeries during the coronavirus crisis.

The bakery, which manufactures Kingsmill loaves, has donated bread to charitable organisations as well as to support emergency services workers during lockdown.  Working in partnership with Stockport Council, over 10,000 loaves have gone to local residents affected by food poverty, providing fresh bread to homeless charity The Wellspring, as well as Chelwood and Stockport food banks.

Manchester Foundation Trust Charity has received a further 4000 loaves of bread for local hospitals, including Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester Children’s Hospital, Manchester Eye Hospital, The Christie and Wythenshawe Hospital, where Allied Bakeries also donated 6,000 mob caps and 600 aprons following a plea for PPE.

A further 2,000 loaves have been donated to schools, nurseries and charities working with vulnerable families or the children of key workers.  The bakery also supplied over 1000 loaves to Greater Manchester Police Headquarters to keep officers going during these unprecedented times. Call handlers for the NHS 111 helpline and the Dukinfield Ambulance Service also received pancakes and crumpets, also made at the bakery, to keep them going during lockdown.

Allied Bakeries has also been working with Age UK to deliver over 1000 free loaves of bread to older people, with the charity renaming their food drops ‘Bread and Smiles’ because of the feedback they have had. 

The team at Allied Bakeries have been overwhelmed by the response they have had to the donations.

One recipient was moved to tears when she was told she could have a whole loaf to herself. Others have described the food drops as a ‘lifesaver;’ with one elderly lady commenting:

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.”

One woman who has been looking out for her vulnerable and isolated elderly neighbours during the lockdown said:

“I was buying bread and split it to make sure everyone had access to a few slices of bread. When I told one of the ladies that I will be able to pass on a whole loaf her, the lady burst into tears. All of my neighbours were amazed how fresh the bread was and were having something on toast that evening for tea.”

Carl Hampson (pictured below), Regional General Manager at Allied Bakeries, 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.”