More people struggling with food bills turn to dedicated Salisbury shop
The Salisbury Pantry opened in the city centre at the end of April
Set up by the City Council's Communities Team the Salisbury Pantry is described as a "sustainable social supermarket."
It's part of a Church Action on Poverty Franchise called 'My Local Pantry" and aims to help those who are on benefits or low incomes and are struggling to buy food or pay bills.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
People in need sign up as members, who then pay £5 a visit but can choose £35 of items.
Food has been donated by local supermarkets and sourced from other organisations like FairShare and UK Harvest.
NUMBERS INCREASING
Since the Pantry moved to its permanent home at 59 Catherine Street the number of members has soared from 80 to 150.
The City Council says the numbers are increasing "week on week."
CAN YOU HELP?
With the number of members increasing more volunteers are needed in the form of drivers!
The role involves collecting food donations from local suppliers and moving it between the storage space and the shop so the "valuable service" can continue for members.
The City Council says with extra pressure on the team involved it's becoming harder;
"This is becoming a bigger challenge as the Communities Team start to reopen their other programmes and community centres across the city, as well as running this project."
WHAT SORT OF PERSON IS NEEDED?
The team is looking for drivers "who can see the value and need for a social supermarket and who can make short trips around the city area to help transport dried and tinned food from storage to the shop or to collect donations from our supporting supermarkets."
Drivers will need access to their own vehicle and be covered by their own insurance, but will be able to claim fuel expenses for the journeys they carry out.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer driver for Your Salisbury Pantry, please get in touch with the Communities Team by emailing bhc@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk or alternatively call 01722 417100.