On 19 June we took our supper meeting at the Winnall Community Pantry, known locally as the foodbank for the area. Like other foodbanks in this social climate they have seen an increase in their clients and families coming for help. It started in covid helping single parent families. As part of our attendance at the pantry club members brought donations for the stores.
Winchester Community Food Pantry enables members to “get more for less”. The pantry aims to help and encourage families that need a little bit of support to manage and budget through these tough times. Anyone is welcome to shop at the pantry once a week – there are no criteria for becoming a member.
The Pantry is part of a community space which also houses a space for arts, dance and support. Each client becomes a member and they pay £5 a week to receive about £15 worth of food. They have a constant turnover of food donated by the supermarkets and they provide for 300 families per month.
The pantry initiative is designed to support people with food deprivation, helping them to escape or move on from their current emergency with a ‘helping hand’ approach.
Every day there is a meal deal available.
At the moment it is part funded by the local Council but it is likely that this will come to an end, so they are looking to increase their own income by attending events to create awareness and attract donations.
If you wish to find out more about Soroptimist International Winchester please email us on winchestersoroptimists@gmail.com