MasterChef Star Helps Launch Our Community Stores

Our community store, designed to help people move on from free emergency food support, opened in Newquay town centre on Wednesday 17 June at Age UK Cornwall on Crantock Street.

The Stores will provide an affordable, supplementary food shop, practical information such as budgeting and wellbeing guidance, and a welcoming space for registered foodbank members or those in temporary accommodation.

Project lead, Fliss Pearce, said: “It is important at Newquay Foodbank to see people who have needed our help take steps towards regaining their independence through a wraparound approach that begins with a dignified shopping experience.

“We will have a selection of fresh, tinned, chilled and frozen goods at The Stores, and our members can choose to pre-pay for their weekly top-up shop.

“Alongside this, people can seek guidance from other support organisations on matters such as health and finances or simply call in for a cuppa and a natter.”

MasterChef 2026 semi-finalist Frankie Dunn, who is the sister of Fliss, came along on the day to cook up a feast for guests and foodbank members, making beef and veggie enchiladas followed by fruit crumble from items available at the pantry.

She said: “I believe everyone should have access to good quality, healthy food that doesn’t cost a fortune and I hope to inspire people by cooking a tasty meal from goods they can find at The Stores.”

Members attending the opening commented that the experience made them feel like they were actually shopping and not at a foodbank, that the fresh food and vegan options are a bonus, and they appreciated having products they hadn’t been able to treat themselves to for a long time.

Joao said: “I love the variety and choice, and I will definitely be back as this will be really good for me.”

The Stores will open every Wednesday with the support of Newquay Foodbank’s volunteer team, Age UK Cornwall staff, and external partners such as FareShare South West and Your Local Pantry.

Jan Rogers from Newquay and a volunteer at the foodbank for five years said many people can themselves reliant on it.

She added: “Introducing the community store gives them the opportunity to break away from foodbank dependence and the chance to budget their money while becoming more independent and self-sufficient.”

The Mayor of Newquay, Cllr Drew Creek, pictured with Fliss and our director Zoe Nixon, joined other guests to find out more about how The Stores will operate.

He said: “We know we have people in Newquay that are struggling and this will help them and the many children who are below the poverty line.

“This volunteer supported service is one I am very happy to champion.”

Newquay Foodbank has a Crowdfunder running to 26 June where donations can be made to help sustain The Stores for the long term.

Visit crowdfunder.co.uk/p/newquays-community-pantry to contribute.

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