New Epsom Pantry offers more than food to the struggling….
A Pantry has been officially opened by the Mayor Clive Woodbridge last month. It has been launched
in Epsom as another way of helping people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, to try to reduce
dependency on foodbanks.
The shop in South Street stocks a wide range of food, including fresh fruit and vegetables, frozen
and chilled produce as well as tinned and packaged items.
Members pay £5 a visit and can choose items that value around £30, so they can save money on
their grocery shopping bills.
Epsom Pantry has been set up with support from Epsom and Ewell Borough Council. The Pantry is
part of the Good Company charity, which runs numerous projects in Surrey including five foodbanks
and the East Surrey Poverty Truth Commission.
Jonathan Lees, Managing Director of Good Company said: “This year Epsom and Ewell Foodbank is
marking 10 years of existence. That is not acceptable. We cannot accept dependency on foodbanks,
which are only meant to be a temporary measure.”
As well as helping with the cost-of-living crisis, Epsom Pantry will offer other community services
such as cooking on a budget, debt management and housing and job advice.
Epsom Pantry Manager Bex Loomes said: “Since the Pantry opened its doors, it has been filled with
a sense of community and togetherness. The cost-of-living crisis means more and more
households are struggling to make ends meet. We know that the Pantry offers vital financial
savings, and we hope that access to healthier foods and the development of skills and confidence
through volunteering will allow us to tackle isolation in our community.”
If you’d like to know more about Epsom Pantry please visit www.goodcompany.org.uk
CLICK HERE FOR LATEST REQUESTS FROM THE FOODBANK