News from Bolton at Home
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Storehouse Pantry is food for change
A new venture intended to be an alternative to food banks is launching in Johnson Fold on Tuesday (20 October).
The Storehouse Pantry, located in The Hope Centre on Tattersall Avenue, is a not for profit venture that will provide everyday goods to local communities for a £2.50 membership fee, which will contribute to the running of the project.
It's being officially opened by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Carole Swarbrick, and will be blessed by the Bishop of Bolton.
The aim of the pantry is to offer more choice of goods and widen membership to include people who aren’t eligible for food bank vouchers but are in need of food assistance.
It will also run advice sessions on subjects including healthy eating, cooking, growing food and financial issues.
The project has been developed through a partnership between Bolton at Home, Urban Outreach and St Peter’s Parish in Halliwell.
Anne Burns, our West Neighbourhood Manager, said: “Although food banks are a valuable source of support for many people, the Storehouse Pantry is intended to be a positive progression which allows us to reach more people. There are many reasons for emergency food use and this isn’t limited to people who are unemployed.
“The pantry is also offering wider choice with a range of fresh food and household goods available, as well as support for those facing financial exclusion, debt and poverty.”
Initially, the Storehouse Pantry will be staffed by volunteers from St Peter’s Parish and Bolton at Home employees through our Give and Gain scheme, which allows our staff to dedicate five full working days a year to help the voluntary sector. Eventually, it's hoped that local community volunteers will take over, developing local opportunities for work experience.
The pantry’s stock will come from donations from Urban Outreach and Fare Share, which redistributes surplus food destined for waste. The membership fee will support local food growing schemes and mean goods can be bought in bulk, resulting in savings.
The Storehouse Pantry opens for the first time on Tuesday between 1pm and 3pm, when members of the community can register for membership.
Although currently a pilot scheme, if the project is a success it will be rolled out in more neighbourhoods across Bolton.
For further information please email Anne.Burns@boltonathome.org.uk or admin@urbanoutreach.co.uk