SPAR launches partnership with Burnley Community Kitchen

James Hall & Co., SPAR UK wholesaler for the North of England, has launched a new initiative with Burnley Community Kitchen, enabling SPAR customers to support their local foodbank by actively collecting donations in ten SPAR stores across Burnley, Accrington and Pendle.

In addition to collecting in-store donations, James Hall & Co.’s company owned bakery, Clayton Park, is also donating weekly surplus stock to the charity, providing much needed bakery products for the charity’s regional breakfast club.

Paul France, deputy chief executive officer at the Burnley Community Kitchen said: “We are thrilled to have developed this relationship with James Hall & Co. and donations from SPAR customers are not only enabling us to provide donations for local residents but helping us to educate the local community on how to maintain a healthy diet on a budget, whilst learning basic cookery skills in our on-site kitchen.

“Burnley has the second highest rate of child poverty in Lancashire, and the bread rolls and loaves provided by Clayton Park Bakery will help to ensure that children within the region receive a regular and nourishing breakfast, working with local primary schools and existing partners to develop and deliver this vital service.”

Julie McAulay, company stores director at James Hall & Co. said: “This initiative started at SPAR Padiham Road when our staff heard about the Burnley Community Kitchen and wanted to get involved and support their local community.

“Since November 2018, customers at SPAR Padiham Road have donated ten trollies of tinned goods, with staff collecting 230 tins of vegetables in one day! The whole team have really got behind the scheme and we are now delighted to be able to offer the initiative in nine further SPAR stores across the region.

“You can support the Burnley Community Kitchen at ten James Hall & Co. operated sites; SPAR Accrington; SPAR Barrowford; SPAR Burnley; SPAR Leeds Road; SPAR Padiham Road; SPAR Pike Hill (Burnley); SPAR Rawtenstall; SPAR Todmorden Road; SPAR Strand (Barnoldswick) and SPAR Whalley.”

Paul added: “We are always in need of dried items such as pasta, rice, tinned vegetables, tinned desserts and personal items such as shower gel, toothpaste, sanitary products and deodorant.  Thank you everyone who has supported the Burnley Community Kitchen so far.”

Click to find out more about Burnley Community Kitchen.