Dear John

Could you help to share dignity, choice and hope in communities?

Recently published Government data has shown the severe scale of poverty and food insecurity in the UK. One in ten UK households was living in food insecurity in 2023-24.

That equates to around 2.8 million households where people do not have consistent access to the good food they need – an increase of 600,000 in four years.

Everybody should have access to good food. Everybody values community. Church Action on Poverty is working to provide both – and more - through the network of Local Pantries we support across the UK.

Pantries are all about dignity, choice and hope. Each one operates as a member-led neighbourhood hub, often serving as a springboard to other community initiatives, opportunities and ideas. As we all strive for a brighter future, Pantries are an immediate big step in the right direction, loosening poverty’s grip and creating the breathing space for communities to pursue ambitious goals.

Become a Friend of Your Local Pantry

If you’re able to make a donation to support Pantries, you can help ensure more people are offered dignity, choice and hope.

You can make a one-off gift, or show your committed Friendship by setting up a regular direct debit.

You can choose to support the whole network, helping to:

develop new Pantries in communities across the UK
work with Pantries to innovate new ideas, engaging with members and amplifying member voices
offer operational support and advice to the existing network of over 120 Pantries, training new volunteers and bringing together the learning from across the network

Or you can choose to support a specific Pantry - perhaps your nearest one. You'll be helping to:

ensure a good variety of stock is available for members
provide refreshments for members during their visits
create opportunities for members to be active in their community
fund wraparound activities and support for Pantry members

Become a Friend of Your Local Pantry

Best wishes

Liam Purcell, Church Action on Poverty