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The first Your Local Pantry in Nottingham has opened to members.
Meadows Pantry opened in Bridgeway Hall Methodist Mission in The Meadows on 28 September.
There are just over 100 venues in the Your Local Pantry network, but this is the first in Nottingham, or Nottinghamshire.
Mark Knowles, Pantry coordinator, said they had heard about the success of Pantries elsewhere, and decided it would be a positive addition to the community.
He said: “We have run a busy food bank in Bridgeway Hall for ten years, and see the Pantry as an opportunity for people in The Meadows to access quality food at a good price on an ongoing, regular basis. It has been well-received and local people are really pleased.”
There has been a steady flow of members already.
She said: “It’s a really good idea and I really like the organisation with the hearts and diamonds system, and the very good variety. I really like it. The Nottingham people have been very kind and welcoming.”
She was particularly pleased with the wide variety of food, which included a couple of ingredients she was accustomed to in Ukraine as well.
“It’s a really good idea and I really like the organisation with the hearts and diamonds system, and the very good variety. I really like it. The Nottingham people have been very kind and welcoming.”
“They are a reminder of the power and potential within communities – we can all do and be so much more when we pull together.
“We’re delighted to welcome Meadows Pantry to the network, and look forward to meeting and getting to know the members and volunteers.”
“Pantries are a reminder of the power and potential within communities – we can all do and be so much more when we pull together. We’re delighted to welcome Meadows Pantry to the network, and look forward to meeting and getting to know the members and volunteers.”
Members can access food at a small fraction of its usual supermarket price, improving household food security, and also enjoy wide-ranging additional outcomes. Members at Meadows Pantry pay £5 a week, for which they are able to choose ten items. Members save an average of £21 a week on groceries.
Earlier this summer, the Your Local Pantry network published its So Much More report. Researchers found that Pantry members reported improved physical and mental health, new friendships, strengthened community and reduced isolation, and Pantries are consistently serving as stepping stones to additional support. Nationally, Pantry members saved £4.75 million on shopping last year.
The team at Meadows Pantry hope to reach 50 members within the next few months. It is open from 10am to noon on Thursdays.
