FareShare’s Surplus Supplies at The Stores

In July, we showcased our community stores to our colleagues at FareShare South West, who help to stock our shelves through food items we purchase from them.

They support our vital project with a weekly delivery of store cupboard and fresh items that volunteers prep for the shop.

Georgie from FareShare South West said:

“It’s inspiring to support a project that’s helping to build individual and community resilience through an accessible service for those ready to transition from emergency food aid.

“Over 50% of the food we rescue from the food industry is fresh produce and chilled items. It’s fantastic to see this food being used to empower people in Newquay while tackling the ongoing problem of food waste.”

People attending our food banks, and those in interim accommodation, can become members at The Stores. Here, they can access an affordable shopping experience to help them move on from emergency provision.

Our project also supports resilience, providing wraparound care through budgeting and wellbeing guidance.

Seventy-one percent of members said they joined The Stores because they want to improve their household finances, while around a third said they want to improve the quality of their household diet.

Registered members can access a basket of quality, affordable food for £10 or less. The retail value of the food they take home is between 3-4 times what they’d pay at the supermarket.

Member Wendy (pictured above), who had previously visited our food bank, explained how her life changed after a relationship breakdown and she had to live in her car for four months with no money.

She said:

“I would rather pay a little bit because it makes you feel better about yourself.”

Although based on the welcoming atmosphere of all Newquay Foodbank’s sessions, The Stores is visibly different.

At the centre of the space stands a large display table covered with a chequered tablecloth. Atop, sits a collection of wicker baskets filled with a wide variety of fresh fruit and vegetables. Shelves of ambient food displays feel like a pantry.

In relation to our work with FareShare South West, Project Lead Fliss Pearce explained:

“I request fruit, veg and fresh items. We particularly like ready meals, meat, and cheeses, some of those high-ticket items we can’t provide in our emergency food banks.

“People are surprised that we have these items and they like the choice too.”

Set up with the support of Your Local Pantry, the result is a friendly, dignified shopping experience where people know each other’s names.

While volunteers are on hand to support should people need it, members are free to pick up a basket, browse the range with their shopping card, and pick what they like.

Fliss explained how every item is coded with a symbol. Hearts are high value items – things that would cost more than £3 in a supermarket. Diamonds are items with a retail value of less than £3 and starred items are free – as is fruit, vegetables, and bread.

For £7, individuals and couples can choose three hearts and seven diamonds. Families pay £10 but get to pick five hearts and 10 diamonds along with any free items.

Fliss added that feedback from members has been overwhelmingly positive:

“Sometimes, people have to queue outside at our Foodbanks. The environment at The Stores means there is no need to queue and people like that.”

Volunteers like Sharon help ensure the community stores can operate. As well as setting up the store each week, which includes processing deliveries and donations and coding items in the fridge, freezer, and shelves, Sharon helps people shop.

She said:

“I recognise there’s a big need, and having been a community worker in the past, I know people come for varied reasons.

“They can end up in difficult circumstances at different points but not anticipate it. I want to help while I’m able to.”

As well as affordable food, members can pop in for a hot drink and a chat or seek guidance from our Support Coaches or other support organisations on matters such as health and finances.

Fliss (pictured above) added:

“Seeing the difference you’re making and receiving positive feedback from people because they can shop in a nice environment with friendly volunteers on hand means so much.”

Anyone wanting to help us keep The Stores open can donate at crowdfunder.co.uk/p/newquays-community-pantry

Back to News