Almost 40Bury households have signed up to a local food club with numbers still rising as many people continue to find themselves pushed into poverty and unable to make ends meet.
Figures come from The Salvation Army in Bury which opened a food club in June 2024 to meet the growing need from the local community as people struggle to keep up with the rising cost-of-living and has seen an average of 6 households sign up every month in its first six months.
The weekly food club, which gives access to a pantry of fresh produce and personal hygiene items via a self-selection process, takes place on Tuesdays from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the church and community centre on Brookshaw Street.
Unlike a food bank, no referral is needed and the cost to become a food club member is just £5 for an annual membership.
Once at the club there is a cost of just £4 which gives the member up to 12 – 15 items of fresh vegetables, fresh, chilled and frozen food, nonperishable items and toiletries, dependent on availability, meaning items can be picked up for as little as 33 pence each. Operating in a drop-in style, the food club helps to combat food poverty in the local area and is for members of the community struggling to make ends meet.
Captain Cor van der Woude, church leader of The Salvation Army in Bury said:
“From conversations we have within the community, we have seen a lot of poverty and deprivation in this area and that there are a lot of people – hardworking people, older people and families – who are in big need of support.
“People can be ashamed to talk about it, to talk about not having enough money for toiletries, cupboard essentials and just the basics to survive, but with a membership to our food club people can have access to a service that provides everything they need at a heavily reduced cost.
“We are still seeing people in times of crisis; mortgage rates are still high, housing options are still slim and food poverty is still a very real problem for many people within our community and decisions are made as to whether to pay bills or put food on the table. “People don’t need to struggle; we are here to provide a helping hand as times remain incredibly tough for many.”
On occasions the food club will also have items for pets and baby essentials, such as formula and nappies. The items are limited to a certain number per section ensuring the scheme is fair for everyone attending.
