Pantries differ from food banks in the fact that they aren’t a crisis food provision; but community food shops run by and for their members.
As well as offering access to affordable and healthy groceries, Pantries provide information and advice, opportunities to volunteer and learn new skills and a network of support.
Pantries are a means of strengthening members’ financial and emotional resilience while also helping to reduce the dependency on food banks. They differ from food banks as they are not a crisis provision; instead, they are community food shops run by and for their members.
Epsom Pantry Opening Hours:
Monday 11.00 – 1.00pm
Tuesday 9.30 – 11.30am
Thursday 10.00-12 noon and 4.00-6.00pm
Friday 10.00-12 noon
“Being able to get the basic essentials means I will eat breakfast and lunch, which otherwise I would miss.”
Epsom Pantry opened back in July 2022 and since then, has flourished into a busy community hub that is open 5 times a week. Members can come weekly and pay £5 for a shop made up of 10+ products including fresh meat. Plus free fruit, vegetables and bread.
“The impact of the Pantry on my family is bigger than people realise. It is not just eating. It is quite literally a life saver.”
For many members it is the network of support from the Pantry community that has had the biggest impact on their wellbeing. Members rely on one another for support and guidance, and the Pantry offers a space to share new recipe ideas, sit down with a coffee to chat to new friends, and learn new skills in a safe environment.
“I value the non-judgemental and welcoming environment. It’s a stressful time financially, having a supportive community makes it that much easier.”
Members are able to influence the direction and development of the pantry through regular steering group meetings. These meetings cover items such as food quality and supply, volunteer support, fundraising ideas, signposting advice adn community activities. It is an opportunity for members to feedback their experience and make sure members views are feeding in to how the Pantry operates.
Become a member: Unfortunately, Epsom Pantry currently has a waiting list for memberships. If you are interested in becoming a member, please keep an eye out on our social media to find out when memberships are available again, or get in touch with Bex and Jane at pantry@goodcompany.org.uk
Donate: Epsom Pantry is open for donations during our normal opening hours (see above) as well as 10-12noon on Wednesdays. Food donated into local supermarkets and Epsom Library donation points are shared between our projects, including Epsom Pantry and Epsom & Ewell Foodbanks.
Here is the link to our donation page: https://epsomandewellfoodbank.enthuse.com/cf/epsom-pantry
Fundraise: Are you a business or individual looking to organise a fundraising event for Epsom Pantry? Get in touch at pantry@goodcompany.org.uk and we can help you get started.
Volunteer: Are you interested in volunteering? Please get in touch with Bex at pantry@goodcompany.org.uk to see how you might be able to help.
Our mission is to see a community free from poverty, where everyone can afford life’s essentials.
