The FWD is working with Foodservice Online, the Cabinet Office and iWeb to get supplies out to the care homes struggling for goods during the coronavirus pandemic, using the new Food2Care website.
It offers another avenue for care homes that are finding it difficult to order supplies due supermarket order restrictions and a lack of delivery slots.
More than 70 distributors have already signed up, with outlets able to find them by typing in their postcode on the homepage of the website.
Read more: Stock availability improving, claims FWD
“There’s no reason for care home owners to be buying their food and household items from supermarkets,” said FWD chief executive James Bielby. “There has always been a better alternative and under the current circumstances, it’s more important than ever to have a reliable and experienced supply partner bringing food to your door.
He added that foodservice wholesalers know the product and menu requirements care homes have, as they work every day with the manufacturers to meet the needs of residents with health issues such as dysphagia. “They can help design meals and menus, and they know what other similar businesses are buying. They have temperature-controlled delivery vehicles and online ordering platforms, or experienced telephone sales teams if you prefer.”
“Catering packs are larger than supermarket ones and come with nutritional and allergen information. Distributors can provide advice and government guidance on food storage and preparation – everything care homes need to keep the fridges full and their residents and teams fed,” he explained.
Read more: Website service helping wholesalers get products out to general public
