What does a Bread Hero mean to you?

Tiptree World Bread Awards Bread Heroes USA supported by the American Bakers Association wanted to reflect on what ‘Bread Hero’ means to friends of our Awards.

We have heard incredible heart-warming stories, about bakers, millers and farmers, who have all gone the extra mile during these extraordinary times. It is from these wonderful stories that Bread Heroes has been born.’ - Caroline Kenyon, Director.

Caroline has been joined by judges and sponsors of Tiptree World Bread Awards USA supported by American Bakers Association, to discuss what a bread hero means to them.

 

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Robb MacKie, President and CEO of the American Bakers Association 

What does a bread hero mean to you, Robb?

‘For me, a bakery hero is those folks who are unsung heroes. They show up every day to make these great products to help to keep our country fed. Those who leave their home every day knowing that there is this uncertainty and pandemic going on. Whether they are a mixer, operator or even in distribution. It is the ingredients suppliers ramping up production, making sure we had all those things to make those wonderful products that we know and love. There were our equipment manufacturers, able to switch to a virtual service. They are all heroes in my book.’  

What are you looking forward to seeing?

‘I’m looking forward to seeing some of those people we can really hold up. Those in the background in normal times, we’re looking forward to identifying who those people are and telling their story about what they have done in their local community.’

 

Stephen Hallam, Chair of Judges, Master Baker, MD Dickinson & Morris Melton Mowbray Pork Pies

What does a bread hero mean to you, Stephen?

‘A Bread hero is a person, group of people or association. They could be bakers, millers, farmers, professionals or even amateurs. These people in recent months have gone the extra mile to help others in a way we have never seen before. The caveat is that they have achieved what they have achieved through bread. Bread has been instrumental and core to making that difference. I think that the awards themselves will recognise these achievements. There have been many wonderous stories, which we have heard a lot of. I imagine there are many more that we have not heard about. These awards are trying to tease those out so these fantastic achievements and those behind them can be remembered and recognised.

Lockdown has built-up trust between – particularly – smaller shop owners and trades people. I really hope that remains.’

What are you looking forward to seeing?

‘I have a very open mind. There would be simplicity, invocation, complexity. I am expected to be excited, very excited actually, in ore of some of the achievements and being very proud of people behind these achievements. It is going to be quite emotional. There are lots of people who don’t realise just what a good job they are doing. The people they touch and the reach they have, they don’t really get just how important it is.’

 

Liz Baker, Marketing Manager, Tiptree

What does a bread Hero mean to you?

‘Anyone who has kept calm, carried on and helped others along the way. There have been so many heart-warming stories during this difficult time, and those stories will be remembered.’

 

Visit our Facebook channel for full interviews to find out more about how our sponsors have coped with lockdown, and what is new in the pipeline for them.

We want to recognise those who kept us fed during the darkest times. Whoever made a difference in your community, let them know their efforts have not gone unnoticed.

Nominating your Hero is free and easy. Submissions close on Sunday October 8, 2020.

There will be regional Bread Hero USA winners and one Overall Winner of the title ‘Tiptree World Bread Awards Hero USA supported by the American Bakers Association 2020’. All the winners will be announced during an Online Awards Evening on Thursday November 19, 2020.

We want to hear your story!

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