New community food store helps lower food bills

A new community grocery store offering people various food items at a discount has opened in Crewe.

The store is being run in partnership by The Message Trust and Hope Church, and will be open at the church on weekdays between 10:00 and 14:00 GMT.

People must pay £1 per year to join, and spending £5 at the store enables them to choose 12 items, with £7.50 entitling them to 18 items.

"Escalating prices are having a massive impact on everyone's lives, but for many it's made life so difficult that they are having to choose between heating or eating," said Andy Hawthorne, global chief executive and founder of The Message Trust.

"Bridging the gap between food banks and supermarkets, we're here to make it easier for our members to put food on the table by reducing the cost of the weekly shop, whilst also providing them with support and courses too."

Emma and Phil Howell, pastors of Hope Church Crewe, said they were pleased to be welcoming people to the store, which offered help and support to local residents.