Great food and great prices will be right on the doorstep for residents as a new community shop opens today in Heath Town at Hope Community Project.
It is the latest in a network of shops across the city, which were first created back in 2021 to help with the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
They are just one of many measures taken by the council to ensure city residents can access good food on a budget and gain the knowledge to cook and prepare it to nourish their families, especially in these difficult times.
Hope Community Hub has been running its own pantry, which has now been converted into a community shop with support from the council and the Government’s Household Support Fund.
The community shop will enable Hope to offer more variety for its residents right on their doorstep, supporting people when they need it most, which is a key priority for the council.
Chief Executive of Hope Community Project, Lisa Storey said: ‘Our pantry was born out of the Covid crisis, at a time when families across Heath Town and beyond were facing unprecedented pressures.
‘It has become a lifeline for so many and closing it has been an emotional decision for all of us. But this transition to a community shop represents the next chapter – one that offers people greater choice, dignity and long term sustainability.
‘We’re moving towards a model that empowers local residents, keeps food affordable, and strengthens community ownership
‘Hope has always been about walking alongside our neighbours and this new approach allows us to continue that mission in a way that’s resilient, respectful and built for the future.’
Leader of the council, Councillor Stephen Simkins agreed and said there was also more good news on the way to help to help city residents with food costs and availability.
‘It’s great to see another city community getting access to a great range of food at low costs on their doorstep with the opening of this latest addition to the community shop network in Heath Town.
‘Hope Community Project has done a great job with the pantry and really been there for their local residents but turning it into a community shop will take it to the next level at a time when many people will be worrying about costs given world events.
‘We believe in supporting our residents when they need it most so I’m pleased to announce we’ll also soon be opening Bilston community shop at new premises in the bus station.
‘And we’re also looking to help our residents with food in ever more innovative ways, so watch this space for news very soon of a community kitchen at Aldersley WV Active.
‘Congratulations to Hope Community Hub and look out for these other new additions in the next few months.’
Shoppers can save a lot of money every week on groceries by using the community shops instead of major supermarkets.
To find out more and where your local community shop is located, as well as other support the council offers with the cost of living check out our web pages.
Pocket to Plate is another key project the council developed to help residents provide nutritious and tasty food for themselves and their families on a budget.
Community chefs Prince and Simon, who both work out of Fifth Avenue, join forces with self-taught cook and tiktok star Mitch Lane every Thursday to release new recipes and how to cook them as part of Pocket to Plate.
Follow @pocketoplate now on Instagram, tiktok and youtube to view the latest and keep an eye out for them using produce from the shop to inspire your next home-cooked meal.