THIS Food Waste Action Week, one community initiative in Tameside is showing how much impact a small team with a big mission can make.
Power of Resilience CIC has grown rapidly since its launch in January 2021 – and its volunteers are supporting local residents while helping to cut the borough’s environmental footprint.
What started as a grassroots effort by Julie Mallinson to reduce food waste has evolved into a network of three food pantries in Hyde and Stalybridge, where residents can donate or collect food and essential items at no cost.
The initiative is powered by more than 30 volunteers, who spend their days rescuing surplus food, sorting donations, and helping families facing financial pressures.
Power of Resilience also runs a soup kitchen and even offers event catering, all using ingredients that would otherwise have ended up in landfill.
Last year, the team’s work was recognised by winning ‘CIC / Charity of the Year’ at the Pride of Tameside Business Awards.
Tameside Council has highlighted the initiative’s work as part of Food Waste Action Week, taking place from March 9 to 15.
“Power of Resilience is an incredible organisation, and the work they’re doing benefits Tameside in so many ways,” said Councillor Laura Boyle, Executive Member for Environmental Services and Neighbourhoods.
“Not only do they provide crucial support to residents in need, but they also help reduce food waste and lower our borough’s carbon footprint. Keep up the fantastic work, it’s truly appreciated.”
For Julie Mallinson, Executive Director at Power of Resilience, some of the most rewarding moments happen in the kitchen, where young people are discovering food in new ways.
“A proud moment of ours is seeing children that are engaging with our community kitchen, they are starting to eat food they never would have tried before,” Julie explained.
“The children can learn to cook from scratch using food they’ve found in the pantry or that we’ve had donated, which is amazing to see.”