A Local Pantry has opened up in Rowbarton Methodist Church and is working with surplus food charity, FareShare, to pilot a county-wide project.
Based at Rowbarton Methodist Church, The Local Pantry Rowbarton will be the first of its kind piloted in the Somerset West and Taunton area.
It will be run by community volunteers who will coordinate weekly boxes of low-cost, nutritious food to around thirty households in North Taunton.
The project’s initialset up costs for essentials such as fridges and storage have been funded using a relief grant from Central Government.
The Coronavirus pandemic has exposed a rise in childhood hunger and in-work poverty, with many residents from lower income areas struggling to put meals on the table.
In response, the ‘Local Pantry model’ has proved to work very well in other areas of the UK, proving a sustainable and long-term solution to households where budgets are under pressure.
The Local Pantry Rowbarton officially opened on Tuesday, 23 March, operating as a membership scheme to enable households to budget for their food. Members will be able join for up to six months, paying just £3.50 a week which is equivalent to an annual estimated saving of £1,144.
Once registered, residents can expect to receive ten to fifteen items to stock up their cupboard and fridge every Tuesday. In addition to shelf-stable food, fresh produce such as meat, dairy, fruit and vegetables will be offered that would otherwise go to waste.
Residents who are interested in joining as a member and live within the Rowbarton vicinity (approximately a fifteen minute journey from Rowbarton Methodist Church), can register by clicking on this link.
A Facebook page promoting The Local Pantry Rowbarton has also just been launched.
Anyone who would like to help out as a volunteer is encouraged contact Team Leader, Gillian Flick, by emailing Rowbartonpantry@gmail.com.
