Black Country residents set to benefit as new community shop offering great food at great prices opens
Residents living in a deprived area of Wolverhampton will be able to benefit from a wide range of food at cheaper prices after the opening of a new community shop.
The shop at Hope Community Project in Heath Town, which opened on Tuesday, is the latest in a network of shops across Wolverhampton, which were first created back in 2021 to help with the pandemic and the cost of living crisis.
Hope Community Hub has been running its own pantry, which has now been converted into a community shop with support from the council and the Government’s Household Support Fund.
The community shop will enable Hope to offer more variety for its residents right on their doorstep, supporting people when they need it most, which is a key priority for the council.
Chief Executive of Hope Community Project, Lisa Storey said: "Our pantry was born out of the Covid crisis, at a time when families across Heath Town and beyond were facing unprecedented pressures.
"It has become a lifeline for so many and closing it has been an emotional decision for all of us. But this transition to a community shop represents the next chapter - one that offers people greater choice, dignity and long‑term sustainability.
"We’re moving towards a model that empowers local residents, keeps food affordable, and strengthens community ownership
"Hope has always been about walking alongside our neighbours and this new approach allows us to continue that mission in a way that’s resilient, respectful and built for the future."
Leader of the council, Councillor Stephen Simkins said he agreed and said there was also more good news on the way to help to help city residents with food costs and availability.
He said: "It’s great to see another city community getting access to a great range of food at low costs on their doorstep with the opening of this latest addition to the community shop network in Heath Town.
"Hope Community Project has done a great job with the pantry and really been there for their local residents but turning it into a community shop will take it to the next level at a time when many people will be worrying about costs given world events.
"We believe in supporting our residents when they need it most so I’m pleased to announce we’ll also soon be opening Bilston community shop at new premises in the bus station.
"And we’re also looking to help our residents with food in ever more innovative ways, so watch this space for news very soon of a community kitchen at Aldersley WV Active.
"Congratulations to Hope Community Hub and look out for these other new additions in the next few months."
Shoppers can save a lot of money every week on groceries by using the community shops instead of major supermarkets.
