BROMSGROVE community champion Anthony Theophanous is looking to set up a food bank in Sidemoor as part of his bid to create a better area which works for everyone.
Anthony, aka Fat Theo, will be setting up the food bank at the Duke of York pub, which he runs, and he expects it to be up and running within weeks.
He said he has seen first-hand the struggles people are facing, with members of his family volunteering at other food banks.
Anthony added said he has been bowled over by the support of the community so far, with many people already putting themselves forward to volunteer.
Local business Nationwide Racking has also offered to install racks at a currently unused room in the Duke of York, which Anthony intends to use for the food bank.
His next steps will be to ask local businesses as well as Bromsgrove Sporting for donations and any other help.
He said: “I’m aware of what’s going on within the community and around the world, people are really struggling.
“We want people to be able to pick up what they need and go with no questions asked.
“We want to reduce the stigma around collecting from food banks so we plan to hold pick-up sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays between 8am and 10am, before the pub opens.”
The food bank is one of several ideas Anthony has planned to help make Sidemoor a better place for everyone and he has been in discussions with ward Councillor Graeme Stewart to help make his vision a reality.
On November 6, a group of Sidemoor friends are meeting up for a free coffee morning at the pub, and Anthony is hoping to use this as a chance to discuss how else he could support and benefit the community more.
“I’ve fallen in love with the community, everyone I’ve met here has been great and I want to give back” he added.
“I want to create a hub of the community to really bring people together and make a difference in their lives.”
Email [email protected] or message Fat Theo’s Facebook page on Messenger to donate to the food bank, to volunteer or for any other suggestions on how to improve the community.
