Wigan's Fur Clemt given boost in quest to end food waste

The organisation distributes food suitable to be eaten that would otherwise have gone to the tip, and supports residents on the breadline. The team has had to work harder than ever to support people since the Covid-19 pandemic hit, and adapt to the vast changes in everyday life and how groups operate.

However, Fur Clemt has risen to the challenge, with more Wiganers than ever have been getting in touch looking for help. And the team has been given a huge boost in their bid to keep supporting Wiganers in need.

Thanks to the support of JJH Contractors, Fur Clemt has acquired a chilled van so that fresh and frozen food can be transported safely to its HQ from the Fair Share site in Manchester.

Without refrigeration, Fur Clemt would be unable to transport the food back to Wigan because of health and safety regulations.

JJH boss Tim Hilton became involved in supporting Fur Clemt after being introduced to the team by Coun Chris Ready.

Fur Clemt director Katy Brittain said: “Tim decided he wanted to help the project financially and after many meetings and discussions we all concluded, the best and most efficient way to help would be to source us and pay for a chiller van.

“This would help the project source more chilled frozen food including meat which is more valuable and harder to access without a chiller van. The chilled and frozen food encourages more people to use the shop as they can get everyday items such as milk, butter, cheese and meat that mounts up when purchasing from a regular corner shop or supermarket. This then increases the takings in the shop helping the project to become sustainable.”

Katy added: “During the lockdown Fur Clemt had to find a way to use the catering food that came in, so they decided to start providing ready meals to Age UK for the people who where stuck in and struggled to shop. The meals proved a huge success and are now accessible through the shop, they have become so popular within the community.

“The chiller van has helped to boost these ready meals and provide meat to make more choice and make them more desirable. The meals are becoming increasingly popular and are in high demand thanks to the chiller van bringing more variety, families are enjoying them as they are tasty, cheap and convenient, also families are using them for elderly relative’s whist they are on lockdown.

“The new van has also helped with advertising and building a strong brand and image for the project as it is all liveried with the information including the JJH sign.”

Katy said: “Fur Clemt would not have been able to get a van of such quality without the JJH so to now have this is amazing and we look forward to the partnership over the years.”

Tim said: “The work they do down there is absolutely phenomenal, absolutely phenomenal. They are full on, all day long.”

“What they bring into the community of Wigan is a fantastic project that needs to continue. And with assistance of businesses, we can get them to where they need to be.”

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