Cessnock locals may be wondering what is going on in the shop next to Clayton Barr’s office.
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A not-for-profit organisation, Food War Inc opened in the shop front (120 Vincent Street, formerly Muscle Tone Therapy) on July 13, offering low-cost groceries for people on any type of concession card.
The organisation was founded by Elsie Cooper several years ago after she finished up working with the Baptist Church and was given a redundancy payout.
She used the money to set up stores in Raymond Terrace two years ago and Beresfield 18 months ago.
Ms. Cooper was a foster child, who started fostering others once she was an adult and eventually adopted two girls with Down Syndrome.
She said she wants to help out those people who are in the same situation that she once was.
“I was one of those kids who went to school with no lunch,” she said.
Ms. Cooper said she also gets a kick out of bringing joy to other people.
“I love it, I just enjoy seeing people smile,” she said.
Ms. Cooper receives no profit from the sales and all of the workers are volunteers who want to provide a much-needed service to those who can’t afford it.
“The money I put in, I never expect to see it back,” Ms. Cooper said.
“We’re just trying to help those people who are struggling,” volunteer Graeme Munro added, “to give them a little bit of hope, a little bit of solace.”
Mr. Munro said 200 people approached the Cessnock store in its four days of operation.
“This is a service that is so needed here,” he said.
As the store has only recently opened, the items are mainly essentials including basic food items, fresh fruit and veg, toiletries, laundry items, pet food and even free bread which Ms. Cooper said is paid for “with a smile”.
The funds received are then reinvested to buy more items, which the organisers hope will help to expand the store.
Mr. Munro said Ms. Cooper is “an angel” for using her own money to help those in need.
“She’s my hero,” he said.
As well as the cost of starting up the business, Ms. Cooper has to pay rent in the current space she is in.
The store currently has a six-month lease, and in that time she is hoping Cessnock City Council can “come to the party” and offer a space rent-free.
Food War Inc is also seeking a sign-maker to assist them in creating some signs for the shop-front to make it more identifiable to the public.
The store is open from Monday to Friday 9.30am to 3pm; anyone who can assist should contact Elsie Cooper on 0409 324 747.
