“We need places like this,” said Janet Vanstreaten, who lives in Tilling Green. “I sit down and cry every month because I can’t pay my bills, so coming here really does help. They are such lovely people and they don’t make you feel like you’re being frowned on.”
She’s one of the regulars who buys discounted food at The Mildred Trust’s fortnightly shop at the Tilling Green Community Centre. As well as food, toiletries and household goods are also available to buy at cut down prices at what’s described as a social supermarket. There are also fortnightly sessions at the Hub on Rye Hill.
Washing tablets, tins of baked beans and ravioli, and chocolate spread are in Janet Sherwood’s bag. “They say all pensioners are millionaires but we’re not,” she said. “I can manage but the discount here helps me manage better.”
Anne Beaven is one of the volunteers, laying out goods on tables and arranging payment. “This is a lifeline for some people,” she said. “They can buy things they can’t afford in the shops. Everyone’s noticed how prices are increasing all the time, I’m really pleased we can help.”
Donna Lake is another customer, stocking up on pasta sauce and squash. “It’s so helpful at the end of the month when everyone’s money is quite short,” she said. “It’s really social too.”
Tea and coffee is on offer, with many customers meeting for a chat after making their purchase. “People are making friendships,” said the charity’s CEO Beth Rice. “It’s reducing social isolation and we’re bringing neighbourhoods together by creating a social hub, which is very exciting.”
The Mildred Trust shop is not a food bank, she said, “Food banks are great in a crisis and great for emergencies. This is really about creating that longer-term vision that’s sustainable and reduces food insecurity.”
If you’d like to make a donation to The Mildred Trust, please click on the QR code below. The charity says any funds donated for Rye are restricted to activities and services benefiting the local Rye community. https://www.themildredtrust.org/
You can also make a one-off donation or set up standing orders through these details:
Image Credits: James Stewart .