Rochdale AFC Community Trust Announces Changes to Food Support Provision

The pantry was established to provide accessible food support to people experiencing financial hardship and has supported individuals and families from across the Rochdale borough.

Although direct funding for the project ended 12 months ago, Rochdale AFC Community Trust continued operating the pantry using its own resources to ensure support remained available while demand was reviewed, supported by partners such as Altus Education Partnership, and regular donations from schools, nurseries and supporters.

Over this period, the Trust has seen a sustained reduction in the number of members of the public using the facility. This reflects both changing demand and the range of alternative food support now available through partner organisations across the borough.

As a result, the Trust will move away from operating a regular public food pantry from the bus. However, food support will remain available to participants and regular users who are experiencing immediate hardship.

The Community Trust will maintain a smaller emergency food parcel offer, providing short-term assistance to people engaged in its programmes. Staff will also work with local partners to signpost individuals and families to the most appropriate specialist services and longer-term support available within their community.

Ryan Bradley, Community Director at Rochdale AFC Community Trust, said:

“Since its launch, the food pantry has provided important support to people during some incredibly challenging periods. We are proud of the contribution it has made and grateful to everyone who has donated food, volunteered their time or helped us to operate the service.

“Following the loss of direct funding 12 months ago, we continued the pantry using our own resources. However, we have since seen a significant reduction in the number of people accessing the public service.

“The reduction is good news – .when we first started the offer coming out of Covid the landscape was very different. We kept the offer going as long as it was needed, firstly working with Action Together as part of the Community Warehouse, the funded through Rochdale Council and final working in partnership with Altus.

“Our offer was unique in that people had the dignity of choice, shopping on a bus, and we also had a full wrap around support offer. That offer is stronger than ever and this is where we see our efforts can be focussed – whether that be through Rochdale AFC Changing Lives [Homeless Football Programme],Rochdale AFC Hope Football [Refugees] or through or general Dale Works or In the Community programmes – our new strategy will see support with food poverty as part of a wider offer rather than stand alone.

“Although the pantry is closing in its current format, our commitment to supporting local people remains as strong as ever.”

Rochdale AFC Community Trust would like to thank all supporters, volunteers, donors and partner organisations who have contributed to the food pantry and helped it support residents across the borough.

Anyone currently accessing the pantry who requires further information or support is encouraged to contact Rochdale AFC Community Trust.