Your Salisbury Pantry support hundreds of families in need
The social supermarket has been trading for almost a year
A Salisbury community supermarket has seen a total of 1,700 customers sign up as members since it launched almost a year ago.
Your Salisbury Pantry on Catherine Street was set up by the City Council to help local families who might be worried about the rising cost of living, and to put food on their tables more affordably.
The scheme takes unsold or donated food from bigger supermarkets or shops and offers it out to people on low incomes, in return for a nominal membership fee.
As an example, for £5, customers can get hold of 16 items, plus fruit and veg, which probably would have cost them around £20 in a 'normal' supermarket.
Councillor Victoria Charleston, from Salisbury City Council's Leadership Group said:
“So many people are struggling with price increases at the moment with household incomes being stretched even further; the stress of counting every penny can really take its toll. Last month, activist Jack Monroe highlighted how price rises affect the cheapest products the most, well above national inflation. If you are struggling to make ends meet, if your budget is stretched and you feel you are running out of things to cut back on, you are not alone and help is available, the Salisbury Pantry is here to support you and your family.”
The store is currently open on Tuesday between 10.00am and 3.00pm.
But Councillor Alan Bayliss says they'd like to see the Pantry keep growing:
"It's manned by staff from the Council's Communities Team and volunteers so we're obviously a little bit restricted as far as that's concerned, but I do think it's very much driven by demand. If the demand increases and we can get people to help us to support it - sure! We don't want to turn anybody away at all."
If you'd like to become a member of Your Salisbury Pantry, you can visit their website for an application.
The shop’s manager, Chloe Roberts said:
“Our light, airy shop has a warm and welcoming atmosphere with friendly staff who are always on hand to give advice or share a banana bread recipe. Please do pop in and see us.”
Businesses interested in donating food or other items to the store can email salisburypantry@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk