We've often been the only human contact our elderly customers have had

Now more than ever is the time to support local businesses. With daily closures across the high street and companies struggling to stay afloat, the support of local communities is crucial for the survival of many businesses. We pride ourselves on our customer service, where our customers will receive their meals from a familiar, friendly face and know there will be a voice and not an automated machine at the end of the phone line. This is what local business is all about, providing a more personal touch; an opportunity for local people to proud serve the communities in which they live.

Q: How have you been going above and beyond for your customers at this time?

Many of our customers have been shielding and have felt isolated. We’ve started including puzzle books in our deliveries which have been hugely appreciated and really lifted spirits – something demonstrated by the many handwritten thank you letters we receive on a daily basis.

Our drivers have been touched by the public’s response to them when out and about, often receiving praise and being told what fantastic work they are doing. Some of them have been delivering food to the same customers for years and have great relationships with them, so are only too happy to have a chat at the front door.

Q: What has been the toughest challenge for your business over the past 4-5 months?

This is an incredibly difficult time for everyone and Wiltshire Farm Foods’ mission, ‘making a real difference’, has never been more important as many of our customers rely solely on us for their daily meals. The whole team at Wiltshire Farm Foods Trowbridge has risen to the various challenges presented by the pandemic. We’ve experienced unprecedented levels of demand and have worked tirelessly to ensure our customers continue to receive their meals.

Emotionally it’s been tough, especially for our customer service team speaking directly with our customers. Often, this is the only daily contact with another person they will have and some of our customers have been quite distressed about the pandemic. We provide reassurance and do our best to help them as much as we can.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in future?

It’s been a challenging but hugely rewarding time, as we’re really making a difference to people’s lives. Food is such a great comfort and brings so much joy. With Autumn and Winter on the horizon we’re planning lots of exciting new meals to give our customers plenty to look forward to.