New community shop and café in Wolverhampton to reduce pressure on foodbanks
They're selling locally sourced items at affordable prices and offering jobs too.
Last updated 9th Feb 2024
Dozens of people have signed up to use a new community shop and café in Wolverhampton, which aims to reduce the pressure on food banks in the city.
Set up by the Good Shepherd charity, Wolves Foundation and the City of Wolverhampton Council, it's opened its doors at the historic Queen’s Building.
The Central Community Shop allows people to register, and then buy food at affordable prices.
A new ‘Pomegranate’ social enterprise café has also opened alongside it, offering job opportunities.
Lucy Cox, the Good Shepherd’s Service Manager, said: “We are delighted that after so much hard work between all the partners involved, the Queen’s has been transformed into a shop and café area for this new project, whilst maintaining its charm as such a wonderful and historic building,” says
“This offers a dignified experience for shoppers who are experiencing financial challenges from the cost of living crisis, as well as an opportunity for those who have previously accessed the Good Shepherd’s food service to make a step forward.
“Our staff and volunteers are ready to continue their hard work to ensure the shop becomes a really successful part of the city centre and, as part of this exciting new initiative, we are hoping the community café will become popular with commuters, shoppers and office workers within the city.”
Funds raised from the community café will be invested into the Good Shepherd’s free-to-access food and support services and other charitable activities.
The project has received £130,000 from the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with the City of Wolverhampton Council adding their own investment from their Household Support Fund. Further support has come from Wolves Foundation, Wolves’ official charity.
Tom Warren, Senior Manager with Wolves Foundation, said: "The Queen’s building will not only provide affordable food for people who are still facing challenging circumstances, but also access to additional services around training and employability – it’s a really exciting project which the Foundation are delighted to be a part of.”
Dr Jamie Mackrill, Chief Development Officer from SJOG Hospitaller Services, who are funding the new café, is also excited about the potential impact of the new initiative.
He said: “We are delighted have supported the start-up of Pomegranate. The design of the project means it will have real impact on people who are beginning their journey back into employment through support of the Good Shepherd.”
Initial opening hours for the Central Community Shop are 10am-2pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Shoppers can turn up and simply register for an annual membership for the price of £3. Visit centralshop.org.uk for more details.
The Pomegranate Café is currently open from Tuesday to Friday inclusive, also from 10am-2pm.