Millions of families are facing not knowing where the next meal is coming from. The Community Grocery is here to help.
In the days before the Community Grocery opened its doors, our Trustees and their families offered to help get the grocery store stocked and ready for the opening on 20th April 2021. It was during this day, whilst listening to the humbling stories of the people supported by the grocery store, that Ben Moulding was inspired to sign up as a regular volunteer.
We asked Ben to give us an insight into his experience of volunteering and what it has meant to him to be a part of this fantastic initiative.
“I offered to volunteer at the Burnley Community Grocery after attending the opening day. Aside from it being a brilliant cause, the store is also near my house, so I wanted to get involved over the summer.
Once I started volunteering, I realised just how much the store helps the local community. I’m both proud to be a volunteer and proud of the work that is being done as a result of The Moulding Foundation’s generosity.
When I’m volunteering at the store, my main goal is to maximise the customer experience. I help new people to sign up, show them around the store, and work behind the tills when customers need to pay. We have a lot of excess food on-site, so I also do quality checks to ensure our customers aren’t receiving bad food. We work as a team through the day, stocking shelves and supporting customers, to ensure their experience is the best it can be.
The main thing I’ve learnt from volunteering is the impact that the rise in the cost of living has had on our local community. Whilst Burnley has been adversely affected, it is a nationwide problem which charities like Community Grocery are helping to solve.
To emphasise just how important the work is that is done here, we’ve had over 1000 members in the first couple of months and now, 4 months later, we have around 1300. We’re constantly growing, and I don’t expect it to slow down anytime soon.
My favourite thing about volunteering has been seeing first-hand the difference that Community Grocery makes to so many lives. It’s been referred to as a life saver by our members. It provides a cheaper alternative to a weekly shop without forcing families to foodbanks where their choice is restricted. Families can save around £25-£30 per shop.”
If Ben’s experience has inspired you to volunteer, Community Grocery has sites across the North and there are several different ways you can support. Click here to find out more.