Wolverhampton bakery increases production to help vulnerable

Matt the Bakers which usually bakes 1,500 loaves a week from its market stalls in the city but is now producing 4,000 loaves.

It has stepped up production in a bid to help Wolverhampton Council's emergency food distribution hub in the city.

James Price, from the bakery business which has stalls in Wolverhampton and Bilston markets, said: "We are supplying fresh, handmade bread and it is good to know that we are helping out at this time of need.

"We normally make around 1,500 loaves a week, but we are now up to about 4,000 with possibly more to come.

"It involves a lot of late nights and early mornings and not much sleep, but I’m sure a few energy drinks will get us through it."

Councillor Steve Evans, cabinet member for city environment, thanked the business and others across the city for helping out.

Councillor Evans said: "Our food parcels contain staple foods and bread is an essential, we are really pleased that in Matt the Bakers we have a local Wolverhampton supplier who we know to be reliable and good quality.

"It is good to be supporting a local business which normally operates from our markets, but obviously we have had to close them currently due to the coronavirus lockdown.

"The people receiving their parcels are getting fresh, handmade bread which is absolutely fantastic.

"We are extremely proud of our food hub which we set up in just a few days, demand is growing and we are now delivering just under 2,000 parcels each week.

"It is thanks to the hard work of hundreds of council staff who have been redeployed to run the facility, but also partners like Matt the Bakers, Marstons, Wolves, West Midlands Police and others who have come together as one city at this time of crisis.”