Leading foodservice providers Brakes and Bidfood helped deliver over five million “shield packs” to the most vulnerable people across England and Scotland during the most pivotal months of the coronavirus pandemic.
More than 3,000 employees from the two companies took part in the initiative to get food parcels to those in need.
“I want to thank all those involved at Brakes and Bidfood for the sterling work they have done to get food to the most vulnerable people in our society,” Environment Secretary George Eustice said. “Together they have packed and delivered 4.7 million food parcels across England – a truly outstanding effort in such a short space of time.”
In Scotland, the crew came through with 800,000 packs, which included 20 staple products such as potatoes, rice, pasta and soup.
Though the program officially ended, those who registered for boxes will receive priority supermarket delivery slots. Those who are continuing to self-isolate will still get support from the NHS Volunteer Responders Programme.
“Everyone involved across both businesses have been so proud to have played a part in helping some of the nation’s most vulnerable people at a time when supporting them was so crucial,” Alex Mayfield, Director of Supply Chain and Operations at Brakes, and Jim Gouldie, Supply Chain and Technical Services Director, Bidfood, said. “We had this scheme up and running in a matter of days and since then, every morning, hundreds of vehicles have left our depots carrying thousands of essential supplies across the country to those who need them. The number of calls, letters and messages on social media that we’ve received have been amazing.”
