SURPLUS food store Company Shop further extends a temporary membership to those in need during the pandemic.

As England enters its third national lockdown and with thousands of families across the region facing increased challenges, Company Shop St Helens is supporting key workers and those in need to ensure as many people as possible can benefit from food shopping at around 50 per cent of the normal retail price.

Company Shop membership has always been open to those working in the NHS, social care, emergency services, FMCG supply chain, British army and prison services, but throughout the pandemic they have temporarily extended their membership to include almost all key workers including those who work in schools and the local council, amongst others.

In order to reach families most in need across the region, particularly in light of school closures, Company Shop has also temporarily extended its membership to those in receipt of means tested benefits, including families with children receiving Free School Meals.

Eligible members can sign up for membership online by visiting companyshopgroup.co.uk/apply-for-membership/company-shop.

When shopping in store, members can access some of the UK’s favourite household brands and supermarket products at deeply discounted prices, including Waitrose, Tesco and Nestlé.

As an essential retailer both Company Shop and Community Shop’s stores remain open as usual, with all appropriate safety measures in place to safeguard its members and colleagues. Company Shop is also allowing family and friends of members to shop on their behalf, to support those who are shielding, unable to access the store or working on the front-line.

Membership lasts a lifetime and is completely free.

Steph McGinty, Deputy Managing Director, Company Shop Group, said: “January is always a difficult time for many people, and the national lockdown and ongoing pandemic will put even more pressure on key worker members and families most in need. We have extended our membership temporarily so that we can support as many people as possible during this challenging time.

“We would encourage anyone eligible for membership or who has not shopped with us for a while to come into store to access some brilliant discounts which will really help to stretch family budgets.

“We are incredibly proud of those members who are working tirelessly on the front-line to support the national efforts, and would also like to thank all our hard-working colleagues across Company Shop who are keeping our shelves fully stocked and our stores safe.”