In a commendable display of community spirit, local carpenters have lent their expertise to enhance the operations of Swindon Food Collective’s new distribution centre, set to serve those in need in the community.
This initiative comes as the dedicated volunteers of the Wroughton Pantry, a local independent food bank, merge their efforts with the Swindon Food Collective to amplify their support to the local populace.
Founded in 2020 by local resident Rosemarie Watson, the Wroughton Pantry, initially operating out of Watson’s garage, has been a vital source of aid for families in Chiseldon, Thorney Park, Wichelstowe, and Wroughton. Recognizing the growing demand for their services, the pantry decided to join forces with the Swindon Food Collective, necessitating a new location and dedicated volunteers to operate the newly established distribution centre at The Discovery Church on Markham Road, Wroughton.
Over the past year, the Wroughton Pantry distributed 120 bags of food to families, emphasizing the need for a sustainable operation to meet the increasing demand. Several members of the original Wroughton Pantry team will continue their volunteer efforts at the new Swindon Food Collective distribution centre.
Cher Smith MBE, manager of the Swindon Food Collective, expressed gratitude for the Wroughton volunteers’ dedication, stating, “The Wroughton volunteers have done a great job looking after people in their local community. It is their hard work that has enabled people to get help when they needed it most. It will be an honour to carry on their good work through the Swindon Food Collective.”
Wichelstowe LLP, a longstanding supporter of the Wroughton Pantry, stepped in to assist when new storage cupboards were needed for the increased stock at the new distribution centre. Carpenters from Corinium Carpentry, working at the Wichelstowe development, along with members of the Wichelstowe development team, volunteered their time and expertise to design and build custom storage cupboards tailored to the pantry’s requirements, with materials provided by the Wichelstowe development.
Clare Jones, the new Team Leader for the Wroughton distribution centre, praised the practicality of the new cupboards, stating, “Our new cupboards are practical and feature plenty of shelving and storage space that will enhance our capacity to help those who rely on our support, and they have been built sensitively to fit in with the church environment nicely.”
Daniel Pavely, Project Director – Wichelstowe, expressed pride in contributing to the Swindon Food Collective’s vital work, saying, “The Swindon Food Collective plays a crucial role in supporting our neighbours in times of need. Their team helps people across the year, week in and week out, so we felt proud and rather privileged to contribute our skills and materials and do this one simple thing to help.”
The Swindon Food Collective has witnessed a significant increase in the number of people seeking assistance, with the number of individuals receiving food rising from 7,600 in the year to April 2022 to 10,791 by April 2023. The new centre in Wroughton adds to the Swindon Food Collective’s network, bringing the total number of distribution outlets to 12, spanning various locations in Swindon.
The official opening ceremony of the Swindon Food Collective’s new distribution centre is scheduled for Wednesday, 6th December 2023, with Councillor Pradeep Bhardwaj and Mr. John Hewer launching the new service. The Wichelstowe development, a significant joint venture agreement between Barratt Homes, David Wilson Homes, and Swindon Borough Council, continues to play a pivotal role in supporting local initiatives and fostering community well-being.
