As the Cost of Living Crisis shows no sign of abating, the church, which already runs a successful social supermarket in Lurgan, spotted the demand for the facility in Portadown and already have been providing help to hundreds of local families.
Basically those who are in need can pay a small fee and use the supermarket choosing their groceries which cost substantially more than the initial subscription.
Pantries stock an abundant and wide range of top-quality food including fresh fruit and veg, frozen and chilled food, meat and dairy products, and long-life tinned and packaged food. They are just like a shop, in that you choose the food you want from the shelves.
Attending the official opening on Thursday were the Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council with other local politicians and volunteers who have helped out.
1. Youthful exuberance at the opening of the new supermarket
Even the young were excited at the opening of the new social supermarket Freedom Foods Pantry in Portadown, Co Armagh on Thursday. The supermarket is open to anyone in need and, for a small fee, can avail of a grocery shop of fresh and frozen food plus other staples. Photo: Carmel Robinson
2. Good crowd at the official opening ceremony in Meadow Lane
At the official opening of the new social supermarket Freedom Foods Pantry in Portadown, Co Armagh on Thursday. The supermarket is open to anyone in need and, for a small fee, can avail of a grocery shop of fresh and frozen food plus other staples. Photo: Carmel Robinson
3. Enjoying refreshments at the official opening ceremony
Enjoying tea, coffee and tray bakes at the official opening of the new social supermarket Freedom Foods Pantry in Portadown, Co Armagh on Thursday. The supermarket is open to anyone in need and, for a small fee, can avail of a grocery shop of fresh and frozen food plus other staples. Photo: Carmel Robinson
4. Fully stocked Freedom Foods Pantry
Lord Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council Paul Greenfield at the fully stocked new social supermarket Freedom Foods Pantry in Portadown, Co Armagh on Thursday. He is pictured with Chris Leech who is chairman of the Craigavon Area Food Bank and those who have helped establish the facility. The supermarket is open to anyone in need and, for a small fee, can avail of a grocery shop of fresh and frozen food plus other staples. Photo: Carmel Robinson