Thousands of people across the UK are enjoying a merrier Christmas this year, thanks to the opening of Pantries in their neighbourhoods.
The Your Local Pantry network has welcomed 19 new partners throughout 2024, across all four nations of the UK.
Already, the new Pantries are supporting 3,770 people in 1,400 households. The new openings take the number of Your Local Pantries to 125, and the whole network now reaches more than 130,000 people in more than 47,000 households.
Strong, hope-filled communities
Pantries typically save people £21 a week, and also strengthen community bonds, improve health and nurture new friendships.
Rachel Brown, Your Local Pantry development coordinator, said:
“Pantries are wonderful places, supporting people to come together to improve their own situations but also the whole neighbourhood. It’s been great to welcome so many new partners throughout 2024, from churches, to charities, to councils.
“Charity is never going to be the long-term answer to food insecurity. We need the Government to commit to take bolder action to end the ongoing cost of living scandal, and to end poverty. But at the same time, people need strong, compassionate, hope-filled communities and that’s what Pantries are.”
Places Of Hope
Earlier this year, new research for the Places of Hope report showed that the UK’s Your Local Pantries have saved members £10.5 million in the past two years.
One of the new openings is Stepping Stones Pantry in Northern Ireland, which staff said had had a really positive first few months.
In a recent member survey, one member said it provided “a great selection and amazing value for money”.
Another said: “I attend when I need a bit of help; would be lost without it.”
Other new openings have included new partnerships with Barnardo’s in Ayrshire, and the Salvation Army in Welling.
The 19 new Pantries...
This year’s new Pantries have opened in:
England
- Croydon, Newham, and Welling (both in Greater London)
- Reading (two)
- New Romney and Deal (both in Kent)
- Warrington (two)
- Banstead in Surrey
- Purfleet in Essex
- Birmingham
- St Helen’s
- Portsmouth
- Rochdale
Northern Ireland
- Bangor
- Armagh
Scotland
- Hurlford in Ayrshire
Wales
- Pontllanfraith in Blackwood
Is your church ready to open a Pantry?
The Your Local Pantry network has saved members £10.5 million in the past two years, but the benefits go far deeper – research has shown that:
- 83% of members say it has been good for their mental health
- 74% feel more connected to their community
- 66% have made new friends
- 63% now eat more fruit and veg
Pantries are also increasingly about social transformation, with many members in 2024 becoming involved in local democracy, social campaigns and art projects.
The Bishop of Leeds recently visited one of his nearest Your Local Pantries, and urged all churches to consider opening a Pantry.
Anyone interested in opening a Your Local Pantry should email info@yourlocalpantry.co.uk
