In a bid to continue its impactful community service, the Swindon Food Collective, an independent food bank, has opened a new distribution centre, taking on the responsibilities of the closing Wroughton Pantry. This move aims to enhance the support provided to those in need within the local community.
The Wroughton Pantry, initiated by local resident Rosemarie Watson in 2020, has played a vital role in catering to families in Chiseldon, Thorney Park, Wichelstowe, and Wroughton. Recognising the increasing demand for assistance, the volunteers of the Wroughton Pantry have joined forces with the Swindon Food Collective. The collaboration necessitated a relocation and the formation of dedicated volunteer teams to operate the new distribution centre, now under the auspices of the Swindon Food Collective.
Over the past year, the Wroughton Pantry has distributed 120 bags of food to local families. However, the need for a more sustainable operation became evident due to the escalating demand for support. Several members of the Wroughton Pantry team will continue their volunteer work at the new Swindon Food Collective distribution centre located at The Discovery Church, Markham Road, Wroughton, Swindon SN4 9JT, open on Wednesdays between 2 pm and 4 pm.
Cher Smith MBE, manager of the Swindon Food Collective, acknowledged the significant efforts of the Wroughton Pantry volunteers and expressed the collective’s commitment to continuing their impactful work.
Wichelstowe LLP, a long-time supporter of the Wroughton Pantry, extended its support by providing new cupboards for the increased stock at the new distribution centre. Carpenters from Corinium Carpentry, working at the Wichelstowe development, volunteered their time and expertise to design and build a custom store cupboard tailored to the Pantry’s requirements. Materials for this project were generously provided by the Wichelstowe development.
Clare Jones, the new Team Leader for the Wroughton distribution centre, commented on the practicality and ample storage space of the new cupboards, enhancing their capacity to support those relying on their assistance.
Daniel Pavely, Project Director at Wichelstowe, expressed pride in contributing skills and materials to support the Swindon Food Collective’s crucial role in assisting the community.
The Swindon Food Collective has experienced a substantial increase in the number of people seeking help, with the figures rising from 7,600 in the year to April 2022 to 10,791 in the year to April 2023. The new centre brings the total number of distribution outlets under the Swindon Food Collective to 12, serving various locations, including Lyneham, Royal Wootton Bassett, Highworth, Freshbrook, Penhill, Parks, Moredon, Liden, Stratton St Margaret, Abbey Meads, the town centre, and now Wroughton.
The official opening ceremony of the Swindon Food Collective took place on 6th December 2023, with Councillor Pradeep Bhardwaj and Mr. John Hewer launching the new service and meeting volunteers, trustees, and staff.
