South Bridgwater Local Pantry celebrates third anniversary
It was launched in 2020 in a bid to reduce food waste and help local families
Last updated 21st Dec 2023
Those behind the South Bridgwater Local Pantry are celebrating three years of the service.
They've helped hundreds of local households through a model that sees them buying and collecting surplus food, sold to members for a low weekly fee.
It's recently moved to a new home in the town - providing a larger space for more members in the future.
The Pantry is part of the Somerset Local Pantry Network (SLPN) who buys and collect surplus food and makes it available to members for a low weekly fee, which helps reduce food waste, feed families and save them money.
Three years on from its launch, the pantry now has 50 members, with the households previously helped going on to support themselves or into paid work.
Now at its new home at ReCreation, Rhode Lane, the move is designed to enhance the experience for members, providing a larger space and expand on the food available and, over time, accommodate for more members.
A community café is set to open soon, providing a welcoming space for local residents to enjoy.
It has has also moved to a social supermarket model, where members can choose their own items from the selection on display, rather than receiving a pre-selected mix of foods.
A member from the SBLP said; “I think the new set up is very positive. I found it to be a relaxed environment and it was nice to be able to have a chat with people. Well done to everyone who has obviously worked so hard to put this together. Thank you so much!”
SLPN is a partnership between Somerset Council, local community groups and food charity, FareShare South West.
Somerset Council provides initial grant money to fund the launch of a new pantry, but each pantry is independently run by voluntary sector groups.
Earlier this year, Action Against Hunger, another food charity, made a film about the Somerset pantries, highlighting the positive impact they make in communities - you can watch it here.
Full details of SLPN can be found here.