Brakes is now supplying 550 additional healthcare customers after care homes struggled to source food from the supermarkets.

The foodservice wholesaler said it had responded to requests for help from the care sector after independent care homes that traditionally shopped at supermarkets for provisions were no longer able to, with multiples implementing item restrictions and delivery slots unavailable.

Many independent care homes previously purchased from supermarket delivery services or by going to their local cash & carry, both of which are options that are no longer viable for them.

Brakes has offered advice on simplifying menus as well as offering a pre-prepared meal range to care homes experiencing staff shortages on a dedicated area of its website.

“Our stock availability remains good so care homes can be sure their order will be delivered on time and in full,” said head of customer marketing and catering Cathy Amos. “And our robust supply chain means that care homes can be confident of service continuity, however long the current situation persists.”

Brakes is consolidating orders of fresh, chilled, ambient and frozen categories to minimise contact with multiple suppliers and delivery drivers.