“It's not a food bank. It gives people their dignity back and allows them to come and do their part for the environment, by preventing food waste,” says Chris Cooke, the Elected Town Mayor. “People in Middlesbrough are very humble and resilient. In the Eco Shop, they will find friendly faces and support.”
The Eco Shop at Trinity Methodist Church in the Darlington Methodist District will provide food, cleaning products, clothing items and toys for children.
The Eco Shop officially opened its doors on Thursday 30 January after a soft launch two weeks prior. It is the newest initiative of the Trinity Family-Friendly Centre (TFFC) – the mission arm of the church. Since 2009, the centre has been listening and engaging with the local community to understand its needs. Amongst their initiatives are their eco garden and the Eco Shop.
Middlesbrough has some of the most deprived places in the United Kingdom. Trinity Methodist Church itself is located in an area called Acklam and more specifically the Whinney Banks, an area of quite severe deprivation.
“This is so much more than reaching out to people who are struggling. It's also that educational piece about how we relate to food, our respect for food and dealing with food waste. We've got so much food going to landfills, it is just criminal,” adds Mr Andy McDonald, Member of Parliament for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East.
“I believe the Eco Shop will lead to more opportunities to help and engage with the community.” Mr McDonald also took the opportunity to thank and celebrate the dozen of volunteers who are making the Eco Shop a reality.
How does the Eco Shop work?
For a donation of £4 – that is a suggested donation – people can take up to 10 items of their choosing in the Eco shop. One of the items available is a bag of bag of fruit and vegetables from the church garden alongside non-perishables, fresh food and cleaning products.
“For some years, the produce of the garden has been made available for people at our Tuesday Café. With the opening of the Eco Shop, the produce will now be available from the shop and we hope to be able to increase the volume of produce,” explains Revd John Howard-Norman, minister at Trinity Methodist Church.
The food comes from a partnership with FareShare which has a big depot in Middlesbrough. They receive food from major supermarkets that would otherwise go to landfill. Once the team knows which items FareShare is sending them, they go to the shop to supplement what they will receive and ensure a wide array of items.
“We want to demonstrate the love of God and to share the love of God with folks in practical ways. One of those ways is to establish this Eco Shop, which has been a long-term vision. We want people to be able to choose what they want, just like in any supermarket,” adds John.
The Eco Shop pays a monthly fee to FareShare for their products and the donations fund the extra products needed. They also received funding from the local council and Middlesbrough Environment City, but they are hoping to become self-sustaining thanks to the donations they receive.
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.”