Unit-E – Wythenshawe Food Distribution Warehouse Open’s its doors 25th April
‘Real Food Wythenshawe’ part of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group (WCHG) in partnership with the ‘The Food Poverty Group’ officially opens its doors to Unit-E on the 25th April at Wythenshawe town centre.
Unit-E, a food storage warehouse based in Wythenshawe will hold and distribute to seven food banks across the entire Wythenshawe area, working with the Trussell Trust model. This is an acumination of two years hard work and provides a real opportunity to make a difference in the Wythenshawe community. Utilising the model has resulted in a collaborative and sustainable approach, bringing people and organisations together to focus on, supporting individuals and families living in food poverty and addressing the long term solutions.
The Food Poverty Group was originally the brain child of the late Paul Goggins MP, who was passionate about making a difference and improving the lives of people in the Wythenshawe area.
WCHG has continued the work in partnership with the Food Poverty Group on this project to leave a lasting legacy for Paul’s vision for the area.
Adopting the Trussell Trust model for this project and working in collaboration with Fareshare, will provide a more streamlined approach and reducing the potential ad hoc nature of food banks.With a bespoke referral system and data base in operation, this approach will allow frontline professionals to make referrals to food banks ensuring those in crisis do not go hungry.
What has been accomplished so far;
- 46k Grant funding for the refurbishment and running costs provided by Manchester City Council
- Brought in 7,000 kilos of food
- Raised £19,000 for renovations
- Distributed food to 7 food banks
- Completed 307 volunteer hours over 7 sessions
- Initiated recruitment of a warehouse worker
Can you help people living in food crisis in Wythenshawe?
We are looking to source a regular flow of food donations to enable us to maintain supplies at the warehouse.
This is where you can help, do you have any food you can donate.The items we really need are long life milk, tea, milk, coffee, sugar, tinned meat and fish, beans, vegetables, soup, tomatoes and fruit.
Please contact Real Food Wythenshawe, Jacqueline Naraynsingh, Real Food Programme Manager, Jacqueline.Naraynsingh@wchg.org.uk or Pam Moran, Real Food Cooking and Skills Coordinator, if you would like to make a donation.
