People and communities
Walsall Council launches initiative to establish community shops
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The first community shop supported by Walsall Council has been launched in Bloxwich.
Community shops typically offer an array of food and everyday necessities like personal care items, pet supplies and household cleaning materials at greatly reduced prices.
Walsall Council committed £200,000 in funding to support the establishment of these not-for-profit shops, which are aimed at helping struggling families and elderly residents who are impacted by the UK's escalating cost of living. Any income generated through the shops is used for future produce and running costs.
Three organisations in Bloxwich, Bentley and Darlaston have already secured financial assistance from the council including Bloxwich Community Partnership, the Old Hall People's Partnership and Darlaston All Active. The first shop formally launched at the Stan Ball Centre, Bloxwich on 28 January 2025.
“ We understand the financial pressures many families in our community are facing and the growing need for more affordable options.
The launch of community shops is intended to complement, rather than replace, food banks in Walsall, broadening the options available for families in need of affordable food.
Through this initiative, we hope more residents will be able to access reasonably priced essentials. I’d encourage any local community organisations interested in opening their own community shop to contact us and see what support is available. “
The community shops will be staffed mainly by volunteers. To use community shops, residents must become a member. Residents do not need to be in receipt of welfare benefits to be eligible. Many local families are struggling with rises in the cost of living and community shops aim to help money go further in Walsall.
Expressions of interest from community organisations in Walsall can be made before 14 February 2025. Organisations based in East, South and Central Walsall are encouraged to come forward.
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