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It was a very timely celebration, because we have also just received the results of recent surveys at member-based food hubs, operated by ourselves and some similar organisations. The findings are hugely encouraging. Among respondents who had previously had cause to use a food bank, 71% had been able to do so less, or stop completely. Similarly, 70% who previously had to skip meals were doing so less often, since joining a Pantry. What’s more,
82% of members surveyed said they feel more connected to their community. 97% say they’re more able to afford to eat balanced meals 75% are eating more fresh fruit and veg 83% are less stressed or worries about running out of food.
One member said: “I have been able to eat meals instead of skipping them while my kids eat every meal. Before, I was skipping an evening meal every other day to make sure that there was food on the table for my children.” Another said: “It has been an absolute blessing for many reasons, not just helping with the cost of living on low income and a debt repayment plan, but I also found friends, connected with people and it improved my mental health and sense of being included and belonging to a local community. Everyone who is lucky to be a member of the Pantry feels the same. I speak to people and they are all very grateful.” When we took on the running of the national Pantry network in 2017, we knew it had potential, but it has grown more than we could ever have imagined then. There are now 120 across all four nations of the UK, and members typically now save £27 per visit - meaning national savings last year were nearly £7 million. Charity projects are never a substitute for true economic justice. We need Government to step up and ensure everyone has an adequate income to live on, freed from poverty’s grip. But alongside our campaigning work, Pantries and similar projects are truly transformative for individual households and whole neighbourhoods. Pantries are real places of hope that bring communities together, and where people unite to improve each other’s lives together. Reaching a million visits is a real testament to the kindness and goodness of all the volunteers, members and supporters across the UK, and to the effectiveness of the model, and it has all been made possible thanks to your ongoing support! Thank you! If you’re able to further support the work of Your Local Pantry, we will be launching our annual Big Give appeal next week. This is when all donations are automatically match-funded, meaning donations go twice as far!
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