Islanders struggling against rising costs will soon be able to join a new food pantry scheme where members can enjoy an array of produce to keep their kitchens stocked up.
The Island’s first community pantries are set to open in Ryde, East Cowes and Ventnor, giving those in need a helping hand by getting food at a lower rate on a weekly basis.
Access through membership scheme
Items found in the pantry will be a range of fresh, frozen, tinned and dry food; which will change on a weekly basis. Access to the community pantry is by way of membership, and for a small weekly contribution, members receive food to a significantly higher value.
The Isle of Wight Council is spearheading the scheme through its successful connect4communities programme, with funding from the Department for Work and Pensions.
Andre: Potential to have a real impact at the heart of our communities
Cllr Debbie Andre, Cabinet lead for Children’s Services, said,
“This is a fantastic initiative that has the potential to have a real impact at the heart of our communities where low income families are struggling financially. Community pantries are a sustainable way of providing food, at a reduced cost. For a contribution of around £5 per weekly visit, a member will receive over £15 worth of fresh, frozen and general food.
“Anyone can have access to their local community pantry but they will need to sign up to become a member, directly with the pantry. At some point, we want to be able to offer additional activities and provide wraparound services and social interaction for those using the pantries, so there is even greater potential to support and sustain our communities. If you are a community organisation such as a school, charity or group and would like help in setting up a pantry – please get in touch with us, we would love to hear from you.”
The first three pantries will be located at Oakfield Primary School, Ryde; Community Spirited, East Cowes; and Baby Box in Ventnor.
Allchorn: We will be guided by our members
Jane Allchorn, Manager of Community Spirited Cafe based at Parkside Pavilion, East Cowes, said,
“As a community group, we have distributed food that is donated by the Co-op for the past three years. This is on a small scale and we have many people visiting, telling us that they are struggling with the rising cost of living. After talking to the connect4communities project manager, Laura, about funding streams, I knew that a community pantry is what we needed to open to help our East Cowes community.
“We will be ready towards the end of April. This will be user-led and we will be guided by our members as to the food they would like to choose. There’s lots to do but so far we are on schedule to be open in a few weeks. We are all very excited, this pantry has given a gentleman the opportunity to be employed by us, supported by a team of volunteers.”
How to get involved
Funding is available to set up more pantries and the council is keen for community groups and organisations to apply. If you are an organisation interested in opening a community pantry on the Island, please contact Laura Hales, connect4communities Project Manager by email: [email protected] or call: (01983) 821000.
Further details and an application form can be found on the connect4communities Website.
While connect4communities will oversee the initial setup of the pantries, the successful groups will manage the day to day running.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: Bags of food for illustrative purposes by Nico Smit under CC BY 2.0
