Our Vision

Our vision is to sustainably feed people around Ashton both physically and spiritually, and to create a welcoming community where everyone feels valued and supported. Through shared meals, social spaces, and partnerships with organisations offering practical help, we aim to reduce isolation, strengthen local connections, and improve wellbeing.

About Ashton Pantry

We opened Ashton Pantry in May 2021 in St Thomas’ Church Hall. Working closely with other Church Wigan pantries and supported by an incredible team of volunteers, we buy in surplus food from FareShare and rescue food from local warehouses, supermarkets, fast-food outlets, and other partners.

This food is always safe to eat and never includes anything past its use by date. By redistributing good food that would otherwise go to waste, we help families stretch their budgets while reducing environmental impact.

Ashton Pantry Opening Times

• Tuesdays: 11am–12pm
• Thursdays: 2pm–3pm
• Sundays: 3pm–4pm

Annual membership is £5, and we ask for a £3 contribution per shop (up to 15 items) to help cover our running costs. Follow our Facebook page for updates, especially when we have an abundance of certain items.

Warm Space & Health Support

Our warm space opens 30 minutes before the pantry for a friendly chat and a hot drink and also is a place where people can access a wide range of support in a welcoming, no-pressure environment.

On Tuesdays, a Nurse Practitioner is available for blood pressure checks, weight checks, and general health advice. The Be Well team from Wigan Council are also with us, offering lifestyle advice, wellbeing support, and help with staying active and healthy.

The Be Well team return on Thursdays to continue to offer wellbeing and welfare support and guidance to anyone who needs it.

Other support organisations visit on an ad-hoc basis.

Donations and Extra Support

We welcome donations of food – this is all stored separately and used only for emergency food parcels.

If you or someone you know needs additional food support, please contact:
ashtonpantry@churchwigan.org

Pantry Café on Mondays from 12–1pm

Our new Pay As You Feel Café runs every Monday from 12–1pm (except on bank holidays), offering a warm, welcoming space where everyone can enjoy a delicious three-course meal.

Everyone is welcome in our café and can choose from a variety of main courses and desserts, taking as much or as little as they would like. There is no charge for the meal but we are grateful donations towards our running costs and future improvements.