Minutes:
The Board considered a report of the Chief Executive, which provided a
progress report on the development of a Community Shop in Halton.
The Board was advised that the Community Shop model was a supermarket
with a targeted membership which aimed to tackle food poverty. The concept was
to provide quality branded food at discounted prices to reach people that
needed help to achieve financial independence. This was achieved by
redistributing food that was surplus in the supply chain, which would otherwise
end up in landfill.
It was reported that after undertaking a feasibility study, commissioned
by Big Local and Well Halton in September 2017, a site in Windmill Hill was
identified as a suitable location for the opening of a Community Shop in
Halton. Regardless of its location, it was noted that all households that were
eligible for membership within the Borough would have the opportunity to become
members as part of a rolling programme that would target identified areas of
need. Alongside this, Members were advised that a Community Shop would provide
employment and training opportunities; provide financial and debt advice;
reduce dependence on food banks; and offer two-course low cost lunches to its
members.
RESOLVED: That the Board support the continued development of a
Community Shop in Halton, as outlined in the report.