Community pantry project opens in New Mills

The driving force behind this new initiative are Mark Jones and Cath Finn from New Mills Youth and Community Project and the project is a registered community interest company which means that it is a not for profit company.

The community pantry is an environmental project and is the latest in several initiatives carried out or planned by the scheme.

People wishing to use the pantry pay £5 per year membership and then it is £2.50 per shop.

The pantry is based inside the old Market Hall and is open on Tuesdays and Saturdays and single people and couples can choose 10 items and families 15.

Fruit, vegetables, bread and other short life products will be available free of charge.

The food comes from several sources including Fareshare, ‘His Church’, partner supermarkets like the Co-op and Aldi and donations from the public.

Without the pantry scheme most of the food would end up in landfill.

Cath said: “We decided to start the project in response not just to the Covid pandemic but to help people struggling generally.

"We started out in February and then the first lockdown kicked in so it has taken a bit of time to get ready and also get the venue refurbished.

“We have had a great response to it already from people on furlough, people who have been made redundant or on low pay, and from people who are struggling who’ve never been in this position before and are finding it difficult.

“We’ve also helped people supporting Marcus Rashford’s free school meals campaign.

We hope that the pantry will help support local people who are struggling with finances in the current climate.

"Being able to make savings on food will free up monies to cover other bills.

"Members will be able to choose their own shopping and we hope, therefore, to give people some dignity and control over their family’s nutrition.”

Further information about the pantry, click here follow the project on Facebook or call 07377 892125.