During the summer months, we are saying a big ‘thank you’ to the companies who supply us with the food we redistribute to our community food members (over 300 charities and community groups across Greater Manchester). This time, we’re shining the spotlight on Bidfood.
The goods we donate make a good impact and help out those who are struggling at the moment. Nobody should be going hungry or struggling to feed their families in this day and age – Bidfood
Bidfood started life as part of Booker Foodservice which was established in May 1929, 70 years later the company was acquired by Bidvest plc a South African-based company and in the intervening years it has grown into the company it is today. It supplies FareShare Greater Manchester with a wide range of stock-fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled lines, frozen and ambient produce to us on a daily basis.
Donating food to FareShare Greater Manchester
FareShare’s Manchester operation relies on the regular donation of food from local suppliers to supplement what it receives from the larger national donors. We can take food that:
- Is within its use-by or best before date;
- Has appropriate covering and packaging;
- Complies with all the food safety legislation, including The Food Safety Act 1990, The Food Hygiene (England) Regulations 2006 and Regulation (EC) 852/2004 on the Hygiene of Foodstuffs;
- Comes with a full ingredients list;
- Has an appropriate extension note.
We redistribute all the food we receive to member charities, schools and community groups. They receive regular checks to ensure they meet our food safety and hygiene requirements. We also ensure they:
- Comply with FareShare guidelines and that;
- Are able to safely serve nutritious meals to those most in need in Greater Manchester.
Why does Bidfood support us?
Since our relationship with Bidfood first began, the company has donated 3.6 tonnes of food to our redistribution operation. We asked Joanne Rabbitt, Admin & Customer Service Manager at Bidfood, why the company choose to support FareShare Greater Manchester?
“FareShare is local to our depot, they came in to visit last year to share what they do and how they help the local communities. With the current cost of living issues and worries people have, it’s good to know that we are helping those who are in need of a little additional support.” The company was prompted to step up their donations from on an adhoc basis to daily deliveries after that visit.
Joanne Rabbitt, added that it’s vitally important to support the community in Greater Manchester; “People, through no fault of their own, are struggling to put healthy substantial meals on the table. People work full-time jobs but still struggle to provide full meals for their families. I know that if I ever found myself in times of trouble, that FareShare would help me provide food for my children, so while I can offer any help and support, I will.”
Advice for other suppliers
What advice would Joanne have for anyone else considering supporting FareShare Greater Manchester with food donations? “I would say ‘do it!’ Nobody knows what their future holds and one day anyone of us could need the help and support FareShare offer, but this is only made possible by companies and people donating to FareShare.”
Giving surplus food to FareShare Greater Manchester is a great way of supporting your business in meeting its CSR commitments and positively impacting your local community, as well as improving your company’s public image. If you would like to learn more about how your company could support FareShare Greater Manchester with surplus food donations, please get in touch.
