FareShare Yorkshire is delighted to announce the election of Sarah Hobbs and David Swinden as the new Co-Chairs of the Board of Trustees.
Sarah and David will take over the position from Sarah Sunderland who has been Chair since 2019 and a Trustee since 2016. Sarah Sunderland has overseen a significant period of growth and development, particularly during the pandemic, leaving the charity as one of the region’s leading surplus food redistributors.
Steve Kirk will also be stepping down as Vice-Chair, having held the position since 2012 and will continue to support the charity as a Trustee. We thank both Sarah and Steve for their dedication and work over many years of service.
With the impact of the Covid pandemic still disrupting society and lives, followed by the spiralling cost- of-living crisis, it means FareShare Yorkshire’s work has never been more urgent or important. We are now facing increased food insecurity and hunger with front line organisations and communities needing more support than ever before.
Sarah Sunderland, outgoing Chair, said – “I am incredibly proud of the work of FareShare Yorkshire and to remain part of the Board of Trustees. It has been a privilege to be Chair, particularly through the period of the pandemic and seeing the growth and impact of the charity. I feel incredibly positive about our future under the direction of our new Co-Chairs.”
Sarah Hobbs leads a Yorkshire-based talent management consultancy and has also been a Trustee at FareShare Yorkshire since 2012.
David Swinden joined the FareShare Yorkshire Board of Trustees in 2012, following a career with the Humberside and South Yorkshire Probation Services.
Both said – “We recognise that food insecurity is a major problem for millions of people. FareShare Yorkshire has worked tirelessly in the Yorkshire region to distribute surplus food and alleviate hunger by providing millions of meals each year. Building on the great work of our previous Chair, Sarah Sunderland, we give our full commitment to continue the work of the charity alongside our many amazing partners and stakeholders.”
Gareth Batty MBE, Chief Executive at FareShare Yorkshire said – “I am delighted that Sarah and David have been elected as the new Co-Chairs to continue the amazing work of the charity. In our 25th anniversary year, we are reviewing and updating our strategy and plans to meet the need and challenges exacerbated by rising living costs and food insecurity. I look forward to working with our Board of Trustees to deliver those plans across our Region”.
