The launch of four social supermarkets has taken place in Halton, with all now open to the public.
They have been made possible thanks to funding/support from Halton Borough Council, Halton Clinical Commissioning Group, Halton and St Helens voluntary Action, Halton Housing and Feeding Britain.
An initial shop was opened at Queen’s Avenue, Widnes with a further three social supermarkets, Palacefields, Halton Village and at The Route Cafe in Central Widnes now open.
This launch of Feeding Halton’s Affordable Food Network consisted of four community settings offering affordable food, essentials, and wraparound support for local residents.
The aim of the Network is to ease some of the pressure on household budgets and help families stretch their money further.
Work is being supported by a donation of £17,000 from Arconic Foundation. Arconic Foundation is the charitable arm of Arconic, the parent company of Kawneer UK Ltd based on Astmoor Industrial Estate, and Halton Housing, providing premises at 21 Queens Avenue, Widnes.Laura Parsons, HR Manager at Kawneer UK Ltd on behalf of the Foundation said “We are pleased to be able to fund and be part of such an important project and to partner with community organisations in addressing the needs of our local community. At Kawneer UK Ltd we remain committed to supporting the local community as we have done in previous years and will continue to do so.
Cheryl McCabe, Social Impact and Engagement Manager Halton Housing, said: “Halton Housing is pleased to provide premises for the Social Supermarket at 21 Queens Avenue, and to be part of this fantastic partnership.
“We hope all four supermarkets are a huge success and make a positive difference for people living in Halton. ”
The four social supermarkets will be run by three organisations; HBC Adult Disability Team, Four Estates and Halton Veterans.
Locations of the supermarkets are:
• Queens Avenue, Ditton, Widnes WA8 8GR
• The route – Grenfell House, 116 Widnes Rd, Widnes WA8 6AX
• Palacefields Community Centre WA7 2UA
• Castle Road Runcorn, Cheshire WA7 2BE
Halton Borough Council Executive Board Member for Health and Wellbeing, Cllr Marie Wright, said: “With many Halton people feeling the pinch, we are delighted to be part of this project.”
Feeding Halton is a member of the national Feeding Britain network which has supported the creation and development of 80 similar settings across the country, helping 11,000 households save more than £3.3 million each year on their shopping.
Households are using the money they have saved to cover their other living costs without needing to use a food bank.
The Affordable Food Network follows the previous action undertaken by Feeding Halton to establish a Fuel Bank and co-ordinate the provision of meals and activities for children during school holidays.