News from Bolton at Home
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“Historic day” as Storehouse Pantry launched in Bolton
A ground breaking alternative to food banks, giving greater choice to more people in need of food assistance, has opened in Johnson Fold.
The Storehouse Pantry was officially opened by the Mayor of Bolton, Councillor Carole Swarbrick, and blessed by the Right Reverend Chris Edmondson, Bishop of Bolton, on Tuesday (20 October).
Located in The Hope Centre at St Andrew’s Church on Tattersall Avenue, the pantry will provide everyday goods to the local community for a £2.50 weekly membership fee that will contribute to the running of the project.
It aims to offer more choice and widen membership to include people who aren’t eligible for food bank vouchers but who need support.
The project has been developed through a partnership between Bolton at Home, Urban Outreach and St Peter’s Parish in Halliwell.
Dave Bagley, Chief Executive of Urban Outreach, said: “Launching the pantry is a historic day for restoring people’s choice, empowering communities and creating a foundation to tackle poverty.
"Our style in Bolton is to work in partnership and collaborate across charity, voluntary, faith and business sectors. We have a responsibility to not let kids go hungry and we must not accept communities left lacking hope.”
Anne Burns, West Neighbourhood Manager at Bolton at Home, added: “The pantry is intended to be a positive progression of the traditional food bank, which will allow us to reach more people. Some of our customers are struggling to put food on the table, and this is a way to get people out of that situation and get more support.”
The Right Reverend Chris Edmondson, Bishop of Bolton, said: “I’m extremely proud to be associated with what’s happening here and how the partners have worked together in a life giving way.”
Councillor Carole Swarbrick, Mayor of Bolton, expressed her gratitude to the partners saying: “Thanks, on behalf of residents, to everyone making life better for those finding life hard.”
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 venture is also offering additional support for those facing financial exclusion and is running advice sessions on subjects including healthy eating, cooking, growing food and financial issues.
Initially, the Storehouse Pantry will be staffed by volunteers from St Peter’s Parish and Bolton at Home employees through the organisation’s Give and Gain scheme, which allows staff members to give up five full working days a year to help the voluntary sector. Eventually, it is hoped that local community volunteers will take over, developing local opportunities for work experience.
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
Pictured L-R:
Lisa Bradley, Community Development Officer, Bolton at Home
Sarah Rushworth, Project Support Officer, Bolton at Home
Revd Paul Hardington, Vicar, St Peter’s Halliwell
Dave Bagley, Chief Executive, Urban Outreach
Anne Burns, Neighbourhood Manager, Bolton at Home
Revd Vincent Whitworth, Associate Minister, St Peter’s Halliwell
The Rt Revd Chris Edmondon, Bishop of Bolton
The Mayor of Bolton, Cllr Carole Swarbrick
The Mayoress of Bolton, Jaleh Hayes