Edge 85 Years Strong 2

Deeside-based Edge Transport has set up a scheme to help its customers re-distribute their surplus food or household items to local food banks and is hoping other hauliers will launch similar schemes across the UK.
Working in partnership with Flintshire Food Bank, homeless charity Share and The Real Junk Food Project (TRJFP), the family firm is donating the delivery of one load a month of clients’ surplus stock to food banks and homeless shelters across the North West of England and North Wales.
Finance director Nikki Edge said: “We launched the food surplus distribution scheme after being approached by one of our customers who wanted to donate some stock to The Real Junk Food Project. It got us thinking about product waste and how we could play a part by offering our customers an alternative to disposal.”

She added: “Many local food and household consumable manufacturers simply don’t have a route to redistribute their surplus stock. It is not something that is made simple and easy, so food, toiletries and other household items just go to waste. We know customers might have surplus snacks, cereals, drinks, confectionery, toiletries and much more but don’t have a route to market, so we want to help.”

Now the company is hoping other hauliers and their clients will launch similar schemes across the UK. Looking to the New Year, Edge said: “We’ll be continuing to promote the service and proactively encourage customers to consider the foodbank, TRJFP and other charitable causes when disposing of stock.  Each of our delivery points are incredibly grateful for the stock that they receive."

Edge customers interested in taking part in the scheme have to meet a number of caveats. These include pre-advising Edge Transport of the stock they want to offer, making sure the goods are genuine surplus stock and that the stock is in good condition and in date and palletised. All space on the vehicle is on a first come, first served basis.

The food redistribution project is just one of a number of charitable schemes the company supports, said Edge. "In 2019 Team Edge has supported the Hospice of the Good Shepherd, transported the Deeside Silver Band at the head of the Connah’s Quay parade, had eight drivers participate in the Ruthin Festival of Lights and is currently storing the Chester Grosvenor 76 Round Table Santa Sleigh in between their nightly fundraising outings.”

Palletline member Edge Transport was founded in 1935 by Alfred Edge. It has 60 staff and has its headquarters at Deeside, near Chester, from which it operates a fleet of 36 trucks and a warehouse offering 6,000 racked spaces.

Topics