A charity in Worcestershire, the Droitwich Community Pantry and Fridge, has recently relocated to a larger facility on the Berry Hill Industrial Estate. This move is intended to enhance its operations in addressing food waste and supporting families in need.
The opening ceremony, held on Friday, was attended by notable figures including His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire Beatrice Grant, Nigel Huddleston, MP for Droitwich and Evesham, and the Mayor of Droitwich, Chris Bowden. Founded by Ashlea and Sarah Stone, the charity is entirely run by volunteers and redistributes approximately five tonnes (500 kg) of surplus food weekly across the Midlands, while also delivering over 140 food parcels throughout the county.
Families can access food for £5 per shop, with free options available for those experiencing vulnerability or hardship. Additionally, the charity provides food assistance to local schools to help support families in difficult situations.
This expansion was made possible by a £19,000 grant from the National Lottery Community Fund, which allows the charity to increase its capacity and improve facilities for both members and volunteers. Co-founder Ashlea Stone expressed gratitude towards the volunteers who sustain the operations of the pantry and the broader community that supports the initiative.
After the opening, Mr. Huddleston highlighted the role of local initiatives in fostering community support and addressing food waste. The Droitwich Community Pantry and Fridge serves as an example of collaborative efforts to assist families in need, raising questions about the effectiveness of similar community organizations in tackling local challenges.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly2729qy0po?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss