BASILDON MP John Baron has today (Tuesday, 20 December) issued a call for help on behalf of Hope Three 16 which provides food and ambient goods to 21 local charities and helps to run and stock the Hope Community Supermarket at the Laindon Centre Basildon.

Having recently visited Hope Three 16 which is currently based on the lower floor of the Billericay Community Hub, Mr Baron heard all about the charity and partners plans to open the community supermarket which made its debut on 25 November.

The Community Supermarket aims to bridge the gap between food banks and affordable supermarkets.

The current warehouse in Billericay High Street is in disrepair and is no longer large enough to meet the charity's needs which means they are unable to store anymore supplies to donate to 21-dependant local charity out givers, or to stock the Community Supermarket.

The Charity is now looking for investment/funding opportunities towards a new warehouse or for suitable local storage space or a community centre to be the permanent home of Hope Three 16.

Mr Baron has called for local businesses or individuals to get in touch if they are able to assist, saying: "I was impressed by the team at Hope Three 16 when I visited their current premises in Billericay High Street recently - the Hope Community Supermarket is an important initiative to help those who are struggling with rising food costs.

"Unfortunately current premises are no longer suitable and I urge local businesses/individuals to get in touch with the charity if they are able to offer assistance with funding or premises for the supermarket."

hn Hailes of Hope Three 16 said: "Over the last 18 months, we have seen a real increase in the level of need for food and ambient products, 2 years ago when we working at our previous unit, we gave out less than 5,000 boxes, since then I have seen that figure rise to 18,000, Covid and the cost of living have created greater need. The Warehouse we occupy was ample a little over a year ago, we have now outgrown it, the partnership we have entered with Hope Community Supermarket, also means we need more storage space."