A non-profit community kitchen in Bolton faces a tough winter ahead after being told it must vacate its premises by the end of November.
Bolton Community Kitchen (BCK) is a non-profit group of volunteers that offer food, meals, clothing and toiletries to Bolton’s homeless, vulnerable and elderly.
Before the pandemic, they could feed up to 100 people, offering three course meals in the warmth. However, they are now limited to take away services only.
To make matters worse, Bolton Community Kitchen has been given 30 days-notice to vacate their current premises on Bradshawgate.
Mark Logan, MP for Bolton North East, is calling for local landlords to get in contact with Bolton Community Kitchen if they have a suitable space available. Ideally this would be equipped with a kitchen with ample freezer space, storage area for donated goods and seating for up to 50 people.
Mark Logan has also made representations to Bolton Council to try to secure a local authority property.
Founder of Bolton Community Kitchen, Gareth Bradbury, has been a volunteer for 7 years. Mr Bradbury has made it clear that Bolton Community Kitchen is more than just a soup kitchen.
Bolton Community Kitchen has created a safe community hub through the selfless actions of volunteers who are extremely passionate about what they do. They make three course meals for the vulnerable and homeless, whilst donating items such as quilts and bedding, furniture and crockery for people in need.
Commenting, Mark Logan MP, said:
“Bolton Community Kitchen need to get the support to continue providing life-changing services to our most vulnerable residents.
I am working with the Council to understand what is available as we head into the winter months and hope we find an appropriate solution for Bolton Community Kitchen.
Let’s put a jingle in their step and bring Bolton Community Kitchen home for Christmas”
Commenting, Gareth Bradbury, said:
“Bolton Community Kitchen is life-changing. We even had one person who was a user, who is now at university.
Now we face another challenge, we need a new premises.
It is a real shame that we haven’t been able to serve Christmas dinner, it will be the first year that we can’t.”