Pantry’s – So much more – Social Impact survey July 2023
10 years after the first site opened its doors, Your Local Pantry is achieving so much more than any of us could have possibly imagined, and so much more even than at the time of our previous social impact report, two years ago.
The Your Local Pantry network now has 100 Pantries. More than 90,000 lives engaged.
Around 2,000 volunteers. Countless moments of hope, connection and community.
Individually and collectively, Pantries are doing so much more than we expected, and so much more than many people perhaps realise. Members often join for the immediate tangible savings, which are now worth £21 a week on average.
But throughout this report you’ll see that Pantries offer – and members cherish – so much more than that.
Members tell us of Pantries enhancing mental and physical health, and reducing feelings of isolation. You’ll hear members telling of new friendships formed, new opportunities, a renewed connection with the local community. Ellie at Paradox Pantry in London tells us: “Friendships are one of the biggest benefits that people get from the Pantry.”
As you read through the testimonies, you’ll see some recurring themes:
> Pantries are bringing communities together. The weekly shop, and familiar, friendly faces, help to reduce isolation. Pantries also signpost to other local support.
> Pantries are loosening the grip of soaring living costs, by enabling people to save on groceries. A typical weekly food basket at a Pantry saves members around £21, meaning a member who attends each week could save over £1,000 a year.
> Pantries are enhancing nutrition, health and food variety, through a commitment to offering fresh, frozen, chilled and seasonal products. Many members report improved physical and mental health.
> Pantries are preventing food waste, by working with the environmental charity FareShare, and His Church, to ensure a sensible and useful redistribution of supply chain surpluses.
> Pantries are serving as a stepping stone to employment. There are a range of volunteering opportunities, training and skills opportunities, and members often tell us the Pantry has helped improve their confidence and stability, so they can return to work.
In summary, Pantries have enabled tens of thousands of people around the UK to strengthen their community and loosen the grip of high prices. Pantries reduce isolation, foster community and friendships, improve health and pre-empt poverty.
Here are just a few findings from the research
