More than 350 families across Cumbria are to receive Christmas food parcels this week thanks to North of England Spar retailer James Hall & Co.
The parcels form part of Workington Emergency Response Group’s (WERG) annual Taste of Christmas campaign, an initiative that supports households facing financial hardship during the festive period.
It is the third consecutive year that James Hall & Co has supported the seasonal appeal.
Families in locations across the former Allerdale district including Aspatria, Cockermouth, Keswick, Maryport, Silloth, Wigton and Workington will receive the food parcels this week ahead of Christmas Day on Thursday.
Each parcel contains Christmas dinner essentials, including vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and sprouts, along with pigs in blankets, stuffing and gravy. Christmas pudding, custard, crackers and snacks are also included.
Turkey crowns and speciality cakes have been sourced through WERG’s supplier network to complete the parcels.
Now in its sixth year, the campaign will have delivered more than 2,500 food parcels once this year’s distribution is complete.
This year’s 350 parcels are being delivered via 43 referring organisations, with more than half of the recipients under the age of 18.
The group said this year had proved more challenging for fundraising than previously and is seeking more businesses to come forward in 2026.
The campaign “would not be possible” without the invaluable support from James Hall & Co, said Liam Darby of Cockermouth Emergency Response Group, who support the delivery of the project in Workington.
“For the past three years, Spar has generously contributed to sourcing products for our Christmas food parcels. Sourcing has been crucial this year, enabling our food parcel funding to go even further in a year when our budget has been tighter,” said Darby.
“These parcels are distributed to households experiencing financial hardship during the festive period and the positive feedback we receive truly demonstrates their impact. If you are a company interested in supporting the project in 2026, please contact us at referrals@cerg.org.uk.”
Peter Dodding, sales director at James Hall & Co. Ltd, said: “It’s been a pleasure collaborating with the Workington Emergency Response Group on Christmas food parcels for a third year, and I am very pleased that through the hard work of colleagues in our trading division we have been able to make every penny count for more in 2025.
“Spar stores are at the heart of the communities they serve and local people in this part of Cumbria really value the presence of our stores in their towns and villages.
“We really try to go above and beyond during the season of goodwill to support those locally who need it, and we hope that all those receiving a food parcel have a happy Christmas.”
No comments yet