Spar Scotland has once again partnered with the Glasgow Times’ ‘Bank On Us’ campaign to help tackle food poverty and bring much-needed relief to local communities during the festive season.

With a strong presence in cities, towns, and villages across Scotland, Spar’s commitment to supporting local initiatives like this aligns closely with their mission of putting neighbours, not just customers, at the heart of everything they do.

Spar also has many independent SPAR retailers supporting local community and charity events and organisations.

“Our stores are deeply embedded in the communities we serve,” said Spar Scotland's Head of Marketing Paula Middleton. “Many of our staff live in these areas, and they’re often the ones identifying local causes that need support. This connection to the community becomes even more meaningful during the festive season, when the need is greatest.”

The ‘Bank On Us’ campaign aims to provide food and essential items to families struggling with the rising cost of living. For Spar Scotland, the decision to support the campaign was a natural one.

“Anything that tackles food poverty within our communities will always be supported by Spar Scotland,” Paula added. “We donate to foodbanks throughout the year, but it feels even more critical to do so at Christmas.”

Spar’s local staff are a driving force behind the organisation’s charitable efforts. Their deep ties to the communities they serve mean they’re often the first to highlight local needs.

“Our staff are on first-name terms with many of our customers, their children attend local schools, and they actively participate in community events,” said Paula. “They’re not just employees; they’re neighbours. This grassroots approach ensures we’re helping our own communities and, in many cases, our own staff.”

In addition to ‘Bank On Us,’ Spar Scotland supports various charitable initiatives throughout the year, including their national Community Cashback campaign, which donates over £30,000 annually to local organisations.

They also partner with the Scottish FA to sponsor a grassroots football tournament for girls aged 12 to 16 and work with the Healthy Living Programme to promote healthy eating and lifestyles for children across Scotland.

By partnering with ‘Bank On Us,’ Spar Scotland reaffirms its commitment to fighting food poverty and supporting the communities it serves.

“When we were approached to support the campaign again this year, we didn’t hesitate,” said Paula. Together, Spar Scotland and the Glasgow Times aim to ensure no family goes without this Christmas.