Just over a year ago, Claire and Paul Marshall embarked on a mission to combat food waste and support their local community. What began as a modest initiative in Rossett has rapidly evolved into an essential lifeline for hundreds of families.
Initially envisioning the Rossett Food Cupboard as a small effort to save food from landfill and assist a few neighbours, the Marshalls quickly discovered a profound need within their community. Today, the Food Cupboard sees around 400 visits each week and regularly collaborates with social services to assist those in need. Additionally, they distribute food boxes at night, ensuring no one goes hungry.
The scale of their operation has grown remarkably. From humble beginnings with just three cars and a small 2m x 2m shed, the Food Cupboard now operates with two vans, two cars, and a spacious 32ft x 10ft site office on the land they now lease at the garage site, just off Waverly Crescent, LL12 0EG, highlighting their ongoing growth and the increasing demand for their services.
Despite their rapid expansion, the Rossett Food Cupboard faces significant challenges. While they collect food from most supermarkets six days a week and receive donations from the public, their resources are stretched thin. They lack sufficient food collections and funds to meet the ever-growing demand.
With the exception of Wrexham Food Bank, we are probably the biggest in the area, and we are only growing,” Paul Marshall remarked
The Food Cupboard operates differently from traditional food banks as the primary goal of the Food Cupboard is to reduce waste. Open seven days a week, they welcome anyone to walk in and take what they require. They have a zero-waste policy, ensuring that any food they cannot distribute is given to local farmers, preventing it from going to waste.
Opening times:
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM and 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM
- Thursday: 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM
- Saturday, Sunday: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Fundraising is a critical component of their operations. The Marshalls organize two to three fundraising events annually. After securing their new location, they plan to focus on raising funds for a newer, more reliable van. Their current van, vital for their daily operations, is old and unreliable, lacking necessary refrigeration capabilities.
The Rossett Food Cupboard stands as a testament to the power of community spirit and the difference that dedicated individuals can make. As they continue to grow and adapt to meet the needs of their neighbours, the Marshalls’ vision of a community free from waste and hunger comes closer to reality.
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For more information or to make a donation, please contact:
Paul and Claire Marshall
Rossett Food Cupboard
rossettfoodcupboard@gmail.com
