Throughout the summer, 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). This time, we’re shining the spotlight on The Bread Factory.
We love giving back in whatever way we can, and knowing we can be part of FareShare’s incredible work really makes us feel proud to be Mancunian. Everyone from the bakers to the customer care team gets a sense of pride when they see what their hard work has contributed to, and they can see that they’re making a real difference to those around them – The Bread Factory
The Bread Factory Manchester is an artisan bakery based in Openshaw, just a stone’s throw from FareShare Greater Manchester. It has supplied 7.6 tonnes of bread products to us to date which it freshly produces and delivers on a daily basis.
Daryl Ross, Head of Sales, explains why the bakery chose to support FareShare Greater Manchester in this way: “Part of our company’s ethos is ‘community’, which includes our team members within the business but of course the community outside our bakeries too. We love giving back in whatever way we can, and knowing we can be part of FareShare’s incredible work really makes us feel proud to be Mancunian. Everyone from the bakers to the customer care team gets a sense of pride when they see what their hard work has contributed to, and they can see that they’re making a real difference to those around them.”
Combating food waste
One of the benefits of sending surplus food to FareShare rather than seeing it going to waste means that food producers are able to deal with food waste in an ethical way. The dual benefits of not discarding edible food to landfill or animal feed while being able to do something beneficial for the community is a win-win situation. Daryl Ross agrees, “We hate food waste! And our bread is so amazing, it’s just fantastic to share it with everyone. We have to make excess bread due to our processes, so it helps us keep it out of the bins, and sends it somewhere for good use.”
The Bread Factory doesn’t just support FareShare Greater Manchester, it has gone on to work with other organisations doing important work in the wider community. “We have recently worked with Booths to contribute 14p to every loaf we sell to them to Cure Leukemia, supplying a dedicated nurse to the North West. We love to shout about our work with FareShare so it pushes other companies to do the same, in whatever form they may be able to,” continues Daryl.
Sustainability goals
She adds that by sending surplus bread our way, it helps the bakery hit its sustainability goals: “It creates less waste for our bakers to take care of, helping to reduce landfill and food recycling, as well as our carbon footprint! FareShare is two minutes’ drive from us, so we don’t need to travel far to do some good. We are deeply invested in nourishing our communities by providing wholesome, delicious bread that makes a difference. We actually have a sustainability report for you to read on our website!”
By supporting FareShare with this regular delivery, The Bread Factory has seen a positive impact on staff morale. Daryl says colleagues are really engaged “they genuinely care about how we help the community and others around us, whether it be Manchester or further afield. It’s great to show them what they do, matters.”
Advice for other food producers
We asked Daryl what advice she would give to other food producers considering donating their surplus food to FareShare Greater Manchester; “Just give it a go! Anything helps, even if it’s sharing posts and spreading the word about FareShare. The FareShare team are lovely, and here to help you as much as possible! Nothing is too much for them and seeing the quarterly report and how you have helped is worth it.”
Thanks so much to Daryl and everyone at The Bread Factory for your continued support for FareShare Greater Manchester!
