ALDI CHELTENHAM - GROVEFIELD WAY

Community Group set up to help address food insecurity within the Northway area of Tewkesbury. We aim to help families struggling financially by providing access to good quality food We are based in the Northway Community Hub Building in a dedicated garden room bought to house the Pantry. Criteria for membership is anyone who is experiencing food insecurity and lives in Northway. We operate as a Weekly Food Club enabling members to choose 10 restockable grocery items plus milk, bread, frozen, fresh, fruit and veg - subject to availability for a weekly fee of £4 which is used to maintain the Pantry and purchase stock. We partner with local schools, churches and other organisations who refer those most in need to us. We rely on the support of local Businesses, charities, supermarkets and individuals who donate groceries to us for redistribution via the Northway Pantry. Currently we have one supermarket who provides us with surplus donations. Neighbourly donations will be shared between members who choose the food that they need. Whilst we believe it is important that families choose their own items, some types of food are limited so that all families have a fair proportion. Pantry Membership is reviewed quarterly and can last between 3 months and one year. With support from Neighbourly we can support a total of 20 families per week plus pets. We are run entirely by local volunteers.

We provide a community pantry that provides a safe environment for people to come and do their weekly shopping for £4, Alongside the Pantry we run a community cafe Community allotment, job hub, digi hub, weekly parent carer coffee morning, SEND specific youth clubs and detached and in place youth groups. Our aims are: to help reduce social isolation working with people of all ages reduce food insecurity provide safe and meaningful youth work within our communities

We provide a warm, safe space, whilst aiming to alleviate poverty, hardships, and social and emotional distress, where everyone is treated with respect. We welcome vulnerable adult guests from all backgrounds and situations – no referrals needed and no questions asked. Each day our main activities include providing around 80 guests with essentials such as: breakfast, a 2-course hot lunch, showering facilities, an opportunity to launder and dry clothes, new clothing and social interaction. We also offer access to: housing charities and services such as P3, addiction assistance including ‘Change Grow Live’, Citizens Advice sessions, WI-FI, laptops and phone charging. In addition to all of this, we offer a range of planned activities, some of which include: bingo, arts and crafts, puzzles, board games, quizzes, cinema trips, walks and reading. We also provide food parcels to those living on the streets, aligned to dietary requirements and convenience of recipient.