#FeedTheNation: Drive-through farm shop wins regional award

The owners of a Yorkshire farm shop are celebrating after being recognised for keeping locals fed during the coronavirus pandemic.

Charlotte Wells-Thompson, who runs Bert’s Barrow along with husband Jason, realised at the start of the lockdown that they could not keep their farm shop open due to restrictions.

Therefore, the family-run farm shop, based in Hillam, North Yorkshire, was transformed into a secure drive-through in order to keep the public safe and continue to support more than 100 local producers.

See also: #FeedtheNation: Yorkshire farm shop opens drive-through venture

During the lockdown, the team removed the timber back wall of the farm shop, extended further into the barn, repainted the shop and bought a larger refrigerator.

Customers drive in with the car, select what they want advertised on large boards and make a contactless payment. A team member then puts the shopping in the boot, avoiding the need to leave the car.

Bert’s Barrow beat off competition from more than 200 other businesses to scoop the Deliciouslyorkshire Lockdown Legends Award for Business, which was voted for by the public.

Help for NHS

Food expert and awards judge Nigel Barden said: “Bert’s Barrow were the first in the region to change their traditional farm shop into a drive-through, allowing customers to order and pay through their car windows and did magnificently in diversifying and accommodating throughout.”

As well supporting their local community, the team also continued to support local growers and producers as well as expanding their team from one full-time member of staff to 10, along with raising money to send hampers to local hospital wards treating patients with Covid-19.

Mrs Wells-Thompson said: “While it’s been hard work, we’re thrilled with the support we’ve received and it’s lovely to be recognised in this way.”

#FeedtheNation

Farmers Weekly is getting behind the #FeedtheNation campaign to back UK farmers working flat out to produce safe, affordable and reliable food to feed the nation this harvest.

With our partners, we are raising public awareness of this campaign by highlighting the actions farmers are taking to get food to consumers.

Join in the campaign by sharing your stories with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #FeedtheNation or email us at philip.case@markallengroup.com or telephone 020 8652 4905.

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