Empowering Middlesbrough: The Eco Shop's Innovative Approach
More Than a Food Bank, It's a Hub for Dignity and Sustainability.
The Eco Shop isn't just about providing essentials; it's about restoring dignity and fostering a sense of community," emphasizes Elected Town Mayor Chris Cooke. "We're empowering Middlesbrough residents to actively participate in environmental sustainability by reducing food waste. Here, you'll find friendly faces and unwavering support, reflecting the resilience and humility of our community."
Located at Trinity Methodist Church, within the Darlington Methodist District, the Eco Shop offers a range of resources, including food, cleaning supplies, clothing, and children's toys. This initiative stems from the Trinity Family-Friendly Centre (TFFC), the church's outreach arm, which has been dedicated to serving the local community since 2009.
After a successful soft launch, the Eco Shop officially opened its doors on January 30th, marking another milestone in TFFC's ongoing commitment to addressing local needs. Situated in Acklam's Whinney Banks, an area facing significant deprivation, the church is directly responding to the challenges within its neighborhood.
"This is about more than just providing aid," explains Andy McDonald, Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East. "It's an educational platform that promotes responsible food consumption and combats the criminal waste of resources. By addressing food waste, we're not only helping people but also protecting our planet."
The Eco Shop is poised to become a vital community resource, fostering deeper engagement and creating new opportunities for support. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers who have made this vision a reality.
How does the Eco Shop work?
Nourishing Our Community, One Basket at a Time
Imagine filling your basket with fresh, vibrant produce from our very own church garden, alongside a variety of pantry essentials and eco-friendly home supplies. All for a suggested donation of £4.
From Garden to Table, With Love:
For years, we've shared the bounty of our garden at our Tuesday Café. Now, our Eco Shop expands that vision, bringing even more fresh, sustainable food to our community.
Partnering for a Sustainable Future:
We collaborate with FareShare, rescuing perfectly good food from supermarkets and preventing it from going to waste. This partnership allows us to offer a diverse selection of items, ensuring everyone can find what they need.
More Than a Shop, It's a Heartfelt Mission:
"We want to demonstrate and share God's love in practical ways," says Revd John Howard-Norman. "The Eco Shop is a long-term vision, providing a dignified shopping experience for everyone."
Your Donations Make a Real Impact:
Your contributions help us supplement FareShare's deliveries and work towards self-sufficiency. With support from the local council and Middlesbrough Environment City, we're building a sustainable future for our community.
Join Us in Making a Difference!
From the President and Vice-President
The Eco Shop’s concept fits well with the theme of the 2024-2025 presidency from Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do what is right, seek justice and defend the oppressed.”
The Revd Helen Cameron, President of the Methodist Conference, says “It was a joy and a great privilege to be present for the opening of the Eco Shop alongside the local MP and Mayor. What I found most impressive is that users of the shop and those volunteering in it are partners together in tackling food waste.”
Mrs Carolyn Godfrey, Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, says “I am delighted to have been part of this opening today. Trinity has listened to the needs of their community and responded in a way that engages with them and works with them to meet their needs. It was great to hear the support and encouragement from the mayor and MP.”