The donation by Richmond Manor Care Home, Dunstable Street, Ampthill, was organised by staff and residents involved in their Well Bread Bakery, an artisan bread-making initiative launched during lockdown last year.
The Well Bread Bakery helped keep residents and families connected through online classes, where residents shared their favourite recipes and learnt new bread making techniques.
The foodbank at Amphill Methodist Church, Church Street, is the collection point for the Bedford Foodbank and helps feed families and individuals in the area.
Volunteer Stella Brooks, who set up the foodbank around 10 years ago, said: “We were thrilled when Richmond Manor contacted us about the Well Bread Bakery and their generous offer of food boxes including the wonderful homemade walnut bread.
“It is projects like this that make us all feel that we are part of one big community, ready to step in when help is most needed.
“We have certainly seen an increased need for our services since COVID-19 and most of our families would not otherwise have needed this kind of support. But these are unprecedented times and our volunteers have been busy doing what they can to help those facing a crisis.”
Richmond Manor’s Head Chef Ian Woods explained that residents have been able to bake with their loved ones throughout lockdown via video calls sharing their favourite recipes. They were also keen to see the local community benefit, particularly those most in need.
Ian said: “Baking bread is very therapeutic, and we’ve enjoyed doing this all together at Richmond, the bread is very much a team effort, and we are pleased that other families can enjoy our produce.”
Richmond Manor Manager Fiona Smith said: “We are very proud of our Well Bread Bakery project especially as it has helped bring together families, friends and residents during lockdown. We have been able to bake virtually together throughout the pandemic.
“Bread making has so many benefits, baking allows us to reminisce and use recipes and memories from our past. We are now delighted that local families, through the foodbank can benefit, an amazing service.”
The bread along with an assortment of other food was handed over to Stella in a special presentation at Richmond Manor and was specifically handpicked for five families.
The Ampthill Food Bank is always happy to receive donations. There is a collection point at St Andrew’s church, Church Square, Church Street, Ampthill, MK45 2EW and the Church is open 9am-4pm daily.
