Community shop opens in Millom to help residents get affordable food

Monday saw the official opening of Millom And Around The Combe CIC Community Shop by the town's mayor Simone Faulkner.

The group was formed by former Millom Network Centre employees Kath Edwards, Carol Farren and Sue Dust, former MNC trustee Sarah Sharpe and former volunteer Julia O’Neil.

Simone Faulkner Millom Town Mayor (Image: Matt Dust Photography) They first started the group Millom And Around The Combe Community Group (MACCG) and were offered support from South Copeland Disability Group (SCDG) who took them under their wing whilst they found their feet and continued to work closely with them.     

Following advice, they then went on to apply to become a CIC (Community Interest Company) in which they were successful on July 31.

They have now opened up a small community shop, at 10 St George's Terrace, ensuring that everything was priced as affordable as possible to make it so that everyone could benefit from the prices.

(left to right) Millom Town Mayor Simone Faulkner, Kath Edwards, Sue Dust, Ayub Mohammed and Sarah Sharpe (Image: Matt Dust Photography) This has been made possible by 'generous donations' from the community and landlord and businessman Ayub Mohammed.

No team member is taking a wage as they wish for all monies raised after general deductions for rent, utilities, and rates to go back into the community allowing them to help those in need within the areas covered in Millom and Around The Combe.

Sue Dust said: "Our next chapter will be to source funding to enable us to build upon the future and also to forge partnerships with private, voluntary and public sectors to maximise our effectiveness in serving the community.

"Our commitment lies in building a strong foundation that promotes community engagement looking to reduce food poverty, encouraging self-empowerment and resilience."

They also hold a Free Food Tuesday which is held at The Vapour Bar in Millom Town Square, which offers them the use of a room free of charge - the project is aimed at reducing food waste whilst also tackling hunger.

There is no membership required nor is there any criteria to meet. The food is donated through the charity Fareshare and comes via Tesco. They have also had non-perishable food donated by 'kind-hearted' customers wishing to help.

"This has proved a vital necessity for many people who are struggling but who are also very proud and do not wish to ask for help, this way everybody wins," Sue said.

When asked what they want to achieve with the shop, Sarah Sharpe said: "Helping the community as much as we possibly can and raising community support. There are some people that care and some people who want to help."

The shop is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 9am to 3pm and Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm.