How it works
We collect food and other household consumables from a multiplicity of sources and partner businesses. Helped by an army of volunteers, we sort and store items at our central Bolton Food Hub warehouse at Trinity Retail Park. This is then redistributed to households who have been awarded Local Welfare Provision or a Storehouse Foodbank parcel. Food parcels are either home delivered or collected from our offices on Salop Street. We also distribute food to a number of local neighbourhood Storehouse Pantries. Here, local households can apply to become Pantry ‘Members’. Members are able to collect food on a weekly basis for a small subscription fee.
Our partner suppliers, supporters and volunteers
We are so grateful to all the partner organisations, the volunteers, and the generous donors of food and funds, without whose help and support this critical service simply would not be possible.
These include many supermarkets and other food outlets who supply surplus stock through our partnership with FareShare and Neighbourly. Our supporters and sponsors also include Bolton Council, Bolton at Home, Seddon Construction, many schools and churches. Local food businesses including Greggs, Greenhalghs, Carrs and Warburtons and numerous other individuals and businesses within the ‘Bolton Family’ regularly donate food - both at harvest time and throughout the year.
You can learn more about how to get involved here.
Our service delivery partners
We receive referrals through our foodbank partners and a wide range of care professionals who work with people in crisis.
Alongside this emergency response, we and our partners are working hard to help people escape all that holds them back from achieving self-sufficiency and leading full and prosperous lives. We and our partners offer practical support to help folk resolve the problems they’re facing so that they don’t need to use a food bank again in the future. This includes things like debt advice, mental health support, benefits guidance, and guidance to help people cook well on a tight budget. Everyone’s experience of poverty is different so the support we bring together is always tailored to individual needs.
Impact and outcomes
During the last year we delivered 23,126 food par-cels. In total we have collected, purchased and redistributed over 170 tonnes of food during this period. This is astonishing and goes to show how wonderful the people of Bolton are in looking after the Bolton Family at times of crisis.
Here’s what some of those receiving food parcels have had to say:
“I really appreciate the help whilst going through difficult circumstances.”
“The food I received in my parcel was really good.”
“The staff are helpful and polite and treated me with dignity.”
