We run an affordable food pantry within the church building, called ‘The Little Shop at Latchford’, which is open on Tuesday evenings (5 pm until 7 pm) and Thursday mornings (10:30 am until 1 pm). It is run by volunteers from within and outside of the church on a non-profit making basis to help our neighbours who are struggling with the cost of living. Anyone can become a member to use the shop, and membership is always free. We encourage people who would not describe themselves as struggling financially to use the shop as that brings in more money which helps us to buy food and other items in bulk, which reduces the prices we have to pay.
In addition to food we usually have a limited stock of cleaning items and toiletries. Each item for sale in the shop is priced in units, where one unit costs 50 pence. Many of the items that we sell are just 1 or 2 units, and generally prices are below what you would pay in a 'normal' shop. A bag of fresh fruit and vegetables of your choice is 1 unit. There is no minimum or maximum spend or limit on how often you can use the shop. We also often have some free items, and take payments by cash or card.
We aim to make the whole shopping experience as pleasant and relaxed as possible. Shoppers are offered free cups of tea, coffee or cordial with biscuits in our cafe area (The Hub). We have some regular shoppers who come most weeks not just to shop, but to meet up with each other for a chat. In fact, we encourage people to use the Hub as a community meeting space even if they do not want to use the shop.
Warrington Voluntary Action run a "Talking Point" in The Hub, alongside the shop every Thursday morning from 10:30 am until 12:30 pm. They provide free advice about organisations in Warrington that can provide support on a wide range of issues such as housing, loneliness, benefits, mental health, disability support, volunteering opportunities, etc. Talking Point at Latchford Baptist Church is open to everyone (not just shoppers) and operates on a drop-in basis with no need to make an appointment. Find out more about Talking Point here. Talking Point Website
To ask a question or send a message to us about The Little Shop at Latchford or Talking Point please use this form.