Daily bread delivery provides lifeline for Stockport’s most vulnerable

A daily delivery of bread from Stockport-based Allied Bakeries is making a big difference to some of the borough’s most vulnerable residents during the coronavirus outbreak.

Allied Bakeries has donated over 200 loaves of bread every day for a number of weeks to those affected by food poverty as a result of Covid-19. The bread, now totalling over 4000 loaves is distributed daily by Stockport Council from the bakery’s production facility in Bredbury to community groups, foodbanks and self-isolating individuals. Allied Bakeries, are also donating bread directly to the NHS, including at Stepping Hill Hospital.

Feedback on the daily deliveries has been overwhelmingly positive, with one recipient moved to tears when she was told she could have a whole loaf of bread 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.”

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.”

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 difference 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.” 

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.