A ‘One Pot Grub Club’ has opened its doors this winter to Salford families who are struggling with the cost-of-living crisis.
Salford Emmanuel Centre is serving hot meals for anyone anxious about the soaring cost of food and energy whilst also providing a chance to socialise.
Wendy Dyson has been impacted by the cost-of-living crisis which led her to attend the Grub Club with her elderly parents. Currently Mrs Dyson is unable to work due to an illness. The born and bred Salford family enjoy going to a local community group.
Mrs Dyson, 57, from Salford, said: “Personally, due to illness, I’m having to keep the house warmer so it’s costing me a lot more than it used to.
“Even with government help I’m still struggling. The group is helping because I know that I’m guaranteed a hot meal. At least I know for the foreseeable future that I can have a hot meal and relax.
“Not only are you being fed, you’re also not having to put your own cookers or electricity on as the meals here are warm.”
Community groups like Grub Club are vital to struggling people during times of crisis.
The 57-year-old continued: “There can be a lot of stigma involved. But if you take that stigma away, we’re all in the same boat. Big boat, small boat, we’re all paddling along trying to get by. You must make the best out of every situation.”
The Grub Club also allows visitors to chat and play games, which can help anyone who is feeling lonely.
Alan Jones, 65, was chatting to one of the volunteers the week prior and decided to attend the session. He thought that the food was “great” and was eager to come again next week.
Mr Jones said: “I think it’s to help the community and bring people together, it’s a kind of neighbouring thing.
“When you’re by yourself it’s quite unmotivating but when you team up with people, you can share ideas and realise that you can achieve something that you may not have thought about on your own.”
Co-ordinator Megan Guite, 32, who grew up in the area, introduced the club to do something that would make a difference to the community by helping anyone in need.
Mrs Guite said: “The world knows about this living crisis, and everyone is suffering in some way shape or form.
“Everyone is going to struggle, no matter your age or your background.
“From when I joined and from the living crisis here, our numbers at the centre have tripled. That was the evidence that people need support and was something which pushed us to focus on food poverty.
“We just thought that we must do something that’s going to meet everybody’s needs to keep people warm and fed. If you feed one person then you’ve got to be thankful that you have been able to do that for someone.”
To find out more go to One Pot Grub Club or call 07503 648031.
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