CHEAP food is being brought to Newbold residents following the launch of a new community initiative.
A branch of Your Local Pantry has opened at The Chapel Newbold to help residents spend less on their weekly food shop.
Demi Lockyer plays with her food during an activity at the launch of the Pantry.
For a weekly subscription of £5, members can stock up their cupboards and fridges with fresh fruit, vegetables, tins, chilled items and toiletries worth over £15.
The Main Street chapel is the latest venue to join Your Local Pantry, a network of community-led initiatives which bring people together around food – reducing loneliness and isolation, improving people’s wellbeing, and helping to reduce grocery bills.
The network has expanded rapidly over the past two years as communities have sought sustainable responses to the pandemic, with over 85 branches across the UK.
Unlike a foodbank, members pay a fee which is then reinvested in the Pantry. Food comes from various sources including surplus food charity Fareshare and local businesses.
Newbold Wellbeing Enabler Janet Timperley said: “The Chapel has been using surplus food for several years.
“The new Pantry will enable us to support more local people and create exciting volunteer opportunities. It will run alongside existing activities, including a lunchtime cafe and an after-school drop-in, providing opportunities to socialise.
“Pantries provide members with more choice than is possible at foodbanks, and are controlled by the members, strengthening the community’s ability to avoid food poverty.”
Newbold resident Brenda said: “I am thankful for all the comfort and support The Chapel Newbold has given over the last few years. The Chapel Pantry will bring further opportunities to support and unite our community in these difficult times.”
The Chapel Pantry was made possible thanks to grant funding from Newbold-on-Avon Community Partnership (NOACP).
Claire Edwards from Newbold-on-Avon Community Partnership cuts the ribbon to the Pantry, with Janet Timperley.
Claire Edwards from NOACP, who cut the ribbon to launch the Pantry, said: “I am delighted that the Newbold Pantry is now officially open. It gets even harder for residents to access affordable, good quality food, so this initiative is very welcome.
“I am thankful for the hard work of The Chapel and its volunteers. NOACP is delighted to have helped set up the Pantry and has committed to supporting it for at least the next two years.”
Over 30 members have already signed up, and organisers hope to increase membership to 50-60 over the coming months.
Newbold residents interested in becoming a member can email Janet at [email protected] or visit The Chapel on Mondays from 2-3pm or Wednesdays from 4.45-5.30pm.
The Chapel also welcomes enquiries from anyone who would like to volunteer, and from food retailers interested in forming a partnership.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/5xnpjp78 or search Facebook for ‘TheChapelNewbold’ for more information.
