Banstead Pantry Manager Ashley (pictured left) writes about the findings from our latest impact report:
Banstead Pantry opened on Banstead High Street in October 2024. Run by charity Good Company in partnership with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council and Raven Housing Association, we are a community hub and food shop providing a low-cost alternative to a traditional shop for local people struggling with the cost of living.
The Pantry aims to reduce dependence on foodbanks whilst offering greater dignity and choice to individuals experiencing food insecurity. For £5 a shop, members can select 10+ grocery items, including fresh meat, dairy and store cupboard essentials and enjoy access to free fruit, vegetables and bread.
What difference are we making?
In May 2025 we conducted a 6-month survey to get feedback from our members on their experience of the Pantry. We have put these results together in our first Banstead Pantry Impact Report. Findings show that 68% of our members now feel more in control of their finances, over two-thirds are eating more fresh produce and 90% say they are less anxious about feeding themselves and their families. One member shared “It has made a huge difference. As a carer, my financial situation has changed considerably. Without the help that the Pantry provides, I would not have been able to put my heating on at all over the winter. I am also not skipping as many meals.”
For many of our members the value of the Pantry is in the connections made in our community. Members attend workshops held at the Pantry and share advice on recipes, budgeting and energy conservation. We have also established a steering group comprised of Banstead Pantry members who are eager to get involved in the running of our Pantry.
Our survey findings reflect the impact of the community environment at Banstead Pantry. 76% of our members say they have met new people and now feel less isolated. We see this impact in our sessions where many of our members stop for a cup of tea and a chat after their shop. “My two friends use the pantry as a catch up for a lovely chat (with tea). Very friendly and helpful staff that make us feel welcome.” 99% of our members say that the Pantry offers a warm and welcoming environment, and 100% agree that the staff and volunteers are helpful and supportive.
These findings from our first 6 months in Banstead show that the Pantry is having a very positive impact on our member’s lives, increasing their financial resilience and lowering levels of food insecurity. In the 6-months since opening we have seen Foodbank usage among our members decrease by over 50%.
What next?
In the coming months, we will continue to build on this initial success. We are running our first Pantry Savings Scheme and continuing to grow our Pantry Steering Group. We will also be conducting focus groups with our members to get feedback some of our initiatives including our Christmas offer and the first round of our Pantry Savings Scheme.
