'Best Before Store' reduces food waste and helps with rising costs
A new Somerset ‘best before store’ has been officially opened
Last updated 21st Sep 2022
A new Somerset-based ‘best before store’ has opened - which it’s hoped will reduce the amount of uneaten food going to landfill and help during the cost-of-living crisis.
It’s different to a food bank, as people subscribe to the service and can get £15 of food a week for £4.
The store also offers items for free which are past their sell by date, with users invite to take 'at their own risk'.
The Wellington Best Before Food Store is based at The Well, Christian Centre in Rockwell Green.
It was opened yesterday by the town's mayor Mark Lithgow and his wife Sarah, in front of local community organisations and volunteers.
Paula Appleby, Project Manager for the scheme said: "The Best Before Food Store is a new community project that has been developed over the last six months in partnership with Somerset West and Taunton local pantry schemes.
"For a charge of £4 per week, members will be able to obtain fresh, chilled and ambient food that would normally have cost between £15 and £20.
" The food will mainly be sourced via the charity Fareshare, who redistribute surplus food via community and charitable groups to those who need it most.
"As well as the pop-up grocery store, members will also benefit from a social space where they can enjoy refreshments, and a chance to chat and make new friends. There will be children’s activities available, as well as opportunities to join in with a programme of fun, and educational events, such as cookery demonstrations.
"The store will also provide signposting to other services that support people in the community
"We have a fantastic team of volunteers that will run the store and together we want to provide a service that builds the community and helps people in these difficult economic times”
"It is hoped in the future to open other Best Before Food stores in different parts of Wellington, so that even more people can benefit from low cost food, and be a part of building a strong community together."
The Best Before Food Store will normally run each Tuesday afternoon from 3.00pm at the Well Centre, Rockwell Green.
For more details email wellingtonpantry@gmail.com or call 07490 196095