For many parents across the borough, a shortage of food can be just one of many issues that arises with the annual school summer holiday break. ‘Your Local Pantry’ are continuing to provide a lifeline to parents who may be struggling during the difficult times.
Throughout the six-week school holidays, the innovative giving back scheme aims to provide a FREE meal to anyone under 16 twice a week. Under 16’s in Stockport will be able to receive a free packed lunch every Tuesday which includes a sandwich, snacks, fruit and refreshments from the Arthur Greenwood Centre, Woodley between 12-2pm.
Also, every Wednesday, any Stockport resident can collect free meals to cook at home from the Offerton Community Centre, freshly prepared with Your Local Pantry ingredients, with support from Fareshare Manchester.
In ‘normal’ circumstances, the pantries operate from five locations across the Borough, and are open to anyone in the local area in financial need. For just £3.50 per week, pantry members can select ten items from a range of fresh, frozen and store cupboard food. Anyone living near a pantry (Bridghall, Brinnington, Mottram Street, Lancashire Hill and Woodley) who need support can join by selecting their nearest pantry at this link yourlocalpantry.co.uk
Roger Phillips, Chair of the Foundations Stockport Board said: “The continuous hard work, dedication and passion from volunteers at ‘Your Local Pantry’ has ensured that their members and residents have received a continuous service despite these uncertain times. I would urge everyone to spread the word and tell a friend about this scheme.”
‘Your Local Pantry’ is run in collaboration by Foundations Stockport and Church Action Poverty with the aim to depart from the `get-what-your-given` food bank model, allowing users to shop with dignity. With five pantry’s in Stockport alone, you are never far away from the support you need. For more information and details on how to be come a member, visit www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk