Bolton charity dishes out 20,000 food packs during lockdown

6 Oct 2020 01:20
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Volunteers at homelessness charity Emmaus Bolton have dished out more than 20,000 food packs to vulnerable households during the COVID-19 lockdown.

From its Derby Barracks base, Emmaus Bolton runs Lucie's Pantry, a social supermarket that provides food and household essentials to people in need. The pantry's team of volunteers worked together throughout lockdown to ensure the service continued and meet additional demand.

Martin Sweeney, one of the people who volunteers at Lucie's Pantry, said: "The pantry is a vital resourse for some of the most impoverished members of the Bolton community - for many it is a lifeline."

Lucie's Pantry opened at Emmaus Bolton in 2018 to support local households in need. The pantry is run by 12 local volunteers and formerly homeless people who are members of the Emmaus Bolton community. In the four months from April to July, the pantry provided more than 20,000 food packs to residents across Bolton.

The pantry supplies a wide range of food including fresh fruit and vegetables, chilled and frozen goods, tinned food, cereals, pasta and dairy items. All stock is sourced from FareShare Greater Manchester and donated by local supermarkets and individuals.

Tony Stephenson, Director of Emmaus Bolton, said: "Members of our pantry usually pay a weekly membership fee of £2.50 and receive £25 worth of food, however at the start of the lockdown the community decided to waive the membership fees as an act of solidarity, allowing us to help even more people.

It has been a busy few months for Lucie's Pantry but I'm extremely proud of the effort everyone has put in to help those in need during this difficult time. I would like to give huge thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers and all the organisations and individuals who support Lucie's Pantry."

Emmaus Bolton provides a home, meaningful work, training and support to people who have experienced homelessness or social exclusion. In addition to Lucie's Pantry, Emmaus Bolton runs a large charity store selling a wide range of second-hand furniture, kitchen appliances, household goods, plants, clothing and bric-a-brac.

For more information about Emmaus Bolton and Lucie's Pantry, head to www.emmaus.org.uk/bolton or visit the charity's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/emmausbolton for regular updates.

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