Fayre Organiser Cath Regan (right) was presented with a lovely bunch of flowers by Debbie and John from ‘Southport Community Cupboard’.
The allotted fundraising stall at the latest Craft Fayre in St Peter’s Parish Hall yesterday was ‘Southport Community Cupboard’.
They raised almost £100 in donations, which will go to supporting the many families who depend on it. Other donations such as good clean new or used items such as bric a brac unwanted gifts etc are also welcome. These can be left at the cupboard or arrange a collection by contacting Debbie on 01704 550019.
This is the background of the group and how it works.
Louise and Lucinda, founders of The Cupboard Network, are passionate about combating food waste and promoting sustainable living whilst also helping those in need.
Through their network of community cupboards, they distribute surplus food from supermarkets and other organisations such as Tesco, M&S, Sainsbury’s, Aldi, Lidl, Pret, KFC & Bookers, ensuring it reaches those in need. Their initiative has significantly impacted local communities, exemplified by The Cupboard Southport, managed by Janet and Graham. Servicing hundreds of families every week, they’ve become a cornerstone in Southport, alleviating food insecurity and fostering community support.
The cost of living crisis has exacerbated food insecurity for many individuals and families across Southport and its surrounding areas. As prices rise and incomes stagnate, more people are struggling to afford basic necessities, including food. “The Cupboard” has become a lifeline for these communities.
The Cupboard is stocked every day, 365 days a year with a variety of food. Availability varies each day depending on what the stores have donated. The service is entirely free to access, but donations are always gratefully received. Limits are applied on certain items at different times to ensure fairness for service users.
At The Cupboard Network, the ethos of sharing fairly and supplementing existing resources is central to their mission. Service users are encouraged to take only what they need, ensuring that everyone has access to the available provisions. The aim is not to replace regular grocery shopping, but to provide additional support to as many people as possible. By fostering a culture of sharing and cooperation, this allows resources to be distributed fairly among the community. This approach maximises the impact of donations, allowing them to reach a greater number of individuals and families in need.
With approximately 1000 families relying on their service every month, The Cupboard Southport is now a crucial resource for those facing financial difficulties. People from all walks of life, from different parts of Southport and its surrounding areas, turn to The Cupboard for support. It has become a symbol of community resilience, providing not only food but also a sense of belonging and solidarity during challenging times.
As the cost of living crisis persists, initiatives like The Cupboard Network play an indispensable role in ensuring that no one goes hungry and that communities can support each other in times of need.
All of the volunteers are dedicated not only to providing essential food support but also to breaking down the stigma associated with accessing such services. In a society where seeking assistance for basic needs can be viewed negatively, The Cupboard fosters an environment of inclusivity and non-judgment.
Every individual and family is welcomed with open arms, regardless of their circumstances. The team behind The Cupboard understands that anyone can face hardships, and their goal is to offer support and compassion without stigma or shame. By promoting inclusivity and creating a judgement-free space, The Cupboard Network encourages people to seek help when needed, fostering a sense of community and solidarity among its users.
“We are so much more than just a cupboard. We are an exciting treasure trove of food, conversation, and community. We are a meeting point, a talking point, a point of pride, and that’s our strong point!”
Operating entirely on donations, The Cupboard Network relies on the generosity of individuals and organizations to sustain its vital services. Donations are the lifeblood of the organisation, allowing them to purchase equipment, maintain cupboards, and cover operational costs.
To support their mission, contributions can be made conveniently via PayPal at southportcommunitycupboard@gmail.com or through direct bank transfers. Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference.
Cath Regan stated:
“Our regular fayres are benefiting many local businesses. They’re also helping charities and groups like Southport Community Cupboard to raise much – needed funds to help people in need. We welcome Debbie and John to join us again in the future. We feel both delighted and honoured to be a part of the symbiotic liaison in such ongoing initiatives.”
Join our growing community – new stallholders are always welcome.
More: https://southport-crafts-arts-and-preloved-items-fayre-1.jimdosite.com/
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