Josh MacAlister MP has visited The Oval Centre in Salterbeck to thank volunteers who are helping support local families and reduce waste in the community.
During the visit, Josh met volunteers from Salterbeck Tenants and Residents Association (STAR) and Workington Derwent Rotary Club, who run the monthly Food Pantry at the Oval. The Pantry helps local people access affordable food and everyday essentials, while also offering a friendly place for people to meet and support each other.
Josh spent time chatting with volunteers and hearing first-hand about the difference the Pantry is making for local residents, particularly with ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
He also visited the new Refill Shop, run by Patch at the RePaint Centre, which has recently opened at the Oval. The shop allows people to refill their household cleaning products instead of buying new plastic bottles, helping families save money while cutting down on plastic waste.
Speaking after the visit, Josh said it was inspiring to see so much community spirit in action.
“The Oval Centre is full of people giving their time to help others,” he said. “The Food Pantry and the new Refill Shop are practical ideas that really work – they save people money, bring neighbours together and help look after the environment at the same time.”
Volunteers from STAR, Workington Derwent Rotary Club and the RePaint Centre said they were pleased to show the MP how the projects work and to highlight the role local volunteers play in keeping them going.
The Food Pantry runs from 11am on the third Friday of every month at The Oval Centre, with a cuppa and a cake available from 10am. No referral is necessary.
Josh MacAlister MP 