To the team,
During last month’s stock review, we found that we were counting unsold loaves but not the damaged packaging we threw away each day. From Monday, we will record both. This will give us a clearer picture of where waste occurs, rather than assuming that every problem starts with making too much bread.
For two weeks, deliveries to the three cafes on North Road will use returnable plastic crates instead of single-use cardboard boxes. The crates are already owned by the bakery, so we do not need to buy more for this trial. Delivery staff must count them at each stop. Cafe staff will leave empty crates ready for collection the next morning. Please do not stack full crates above the marked line in the van; the lower loaves can be damaged by too much weight.
We considered asking all home-delivery customers to return packaging as well. For now, that would add too much time to the route. We will review the cafe trial before changing home deliveries. A successful result for three regular business stops would not automatically mean the same system works for dozens of separate homes.
At the shop, slices left from sandwich preparation will be set aside for our usual food partner, but only if they meet the existing food-handling rules. This is not permission to keep food for longer than we normally allow. Any uncertainty should go to the shift supervisor, not be settled by guessing that a donation is better than disposal.
At the end of the trial, we will compare damaged packaging, missing crates and the extra minutes spent collecting them. We will also ask the cafe staff whether storing the empties caused problems. Lower rubbish totals are important, but the system must be safe and manageable for the people using it. Please bring suggestions to Friday’s meeting, including anything that makes recording the information difficult.
Marta, manager