XPO Logistics and Palletforce have teamed up with some of the biggest household names to ensure food is distributed to people who need it most during the coronavirus pandemic.
They are working with Sainsbury’s, British Gas and toy retailer The Entertainer to create a supply chain from supermarkets and wholesalers to food banks and community charities across the UK.
Food bank charity the Trussell Trust warned that more people are likely to need help as a result of the outbreak and charity FoodShare said it had seen a steep rise in applications from community groups across the UK who need vital food supplies.
The partnership will see XPO volunteers sort food transported from supermarkets on Palletforce trailers and taken to The Entertainer’s Banbury depot.
From there, the supplies will be taken to Palletforce’s central depot in Burton upon Trent before being shipped to regional depots across the country before British Gas volunteers deliver the donations to local food banks.
In addition, Sainsbury’s has donated £3m to FareShare to help distribute the food to vulnerable people.
Gavin Williams, supply chain MD at XPO Logistics, said: “Our part in the food journey is in creating mixed parcels, palletising and consolidating them, before they reach the food banks.
“We are proud to be playing a role in expanding and speeding up the supply of essential goods to the front-line doorstep delivery.”
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust said: “This unique partnership beautifully articulates how society is pulling together in the fight against COVID-19.”
