SPAR partner with FareShare to support vulnerable communities

SPAR wholesaler for the north of England, James Hall & Co., has launched a partnership with FareShare Lancashire and Cumbria to support vulnerable communities across the North West.

Located in Preston, James Hall & Co.’s SPAR distribution centre serves over 600 SPAR stores across the north of England, also manufacturing a number of fresh product lines such as sandwiches, cheese and cut meats.

Andrew Barnes, Trading Director at James Hall & Co. said, “As a large wholesaler and manufacturer, hundreds of thousands of fresh and ambient lines pass through our warehouse each week. This new partnership with FareShare will ensure the distribution of surplus fresh and ambient stock reaches the most vulnerable communities across the North West, communities that desperately need support during the coronavirus pandemic.

“In the past, we have worked with many different charities but have often come up against the challenge of organisations not having the required fridge space, or chilled transport, to receive and distribute fresh food donations. FareShare’s infrastructure and network of local charities enables us to distribute large amounts of fresh and ambient food to hundreds of local charities.”

Andrew added: “Many of our SPAR stores host permanent collections for local food banks and we know that demand has quadrupled in some areas during this pandemic. In the biggest healthcare challenge of our time, we hope that these donations will bring an element of comfort to those in great need.”

FareShare Commercial Manager Michael Shields said, “We are very thankful to James Hall & Co. for their support in the face of the current crisis – their donation to FareShare Lancashire and Cumbria will help us greatly to support the communities in the North West with vital food supplies.”