This practical visit is for community groups and anyone curious about starting circular economy projects locally. Beginning at ReCa, Wigton’s refill shop, we'll take a short walk to Wigton Food Pantry to hear how both initiatives work, why they were set up and what others can learn from their experience.

The visit includes talks, discussion and a chance to ask practical questions about operating community food and refill schemes. We’ll also share a simple networking lunch made from ingredients the Food Pantry has received (likely vegetable soup and bread), with a minimum £5 donation.

If you’d like to buy dry goods at ReCa, please bring your own containers. Space in the shop is limited, so arrive early if you plan to stock up! From 10.45am we’ll walk together to the Food Pantry, passing Woolsty, a great example of creative mending and sewing in action. Some attendees may also see the Food Pantry operating before it closes at 11am.

PROGRAMME

10.45 – 11.15am; Tea, Coffee

11.15am – welcome and outline for the day

11.15 – 12.15 Introduction to The Food Pantry • How and why did we set up? • Where does our food come from and where does it go? • Top tips for other communities hoping to set up a similar facility Workshop discussion

12.15 – 12.45 Lunch (minimum of £5 donation)

12.45 – 1.45pm Discussion on refill schemes Overview: Bex Stamper, Reca • How and why did we set up? • Where do our supplies come from and who are our regular purchasers? • Top tips for other communities hoping to set up a similar facility Setting up a new project: Learning from the experience of Patch at the Oval Centre (Salterbeck) Workshop discussion

1.45pm - Next steps and close.

MORE INFORMATION

Cost - This event is free to attend but please consider a donation to help more events like this happen! Lunch is available for a minimum £5 donation.

Travel & Transport - We'd like to minimise our carbon footprint for this event, so will be working to offer lift share. There are two bus services - Stagecoach 554 (Carlisle-Wigton-Keswick/ Keswick-Wigton-Carlisle) or Stagecoach 300 (Carlisle – Wigton- Maryport -Workington).