Bright Futures Ferryhill CIC opened its community pantry, based in Ferryhill Sport and Education Centre in September 2024.
The pantry provides heavily discounted food shopping to the local community offering shoppers the choice of items such as pasta, tinned food, noodles, and fresh fruit and vegetables for £5.
In partnership with believe, Bernicia, Karbon, and Advice in County Durham we are working closely with support agencies across the county to improve access to food, clothing, furniture, welfare assistance, and health advice.
The stock is supplied by local supermarkets, food-saving charities, and donations and is available every Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm.
Julie O'Connor, Community Regeneration Adviser, said; "The launch of the Community Pantry has been a tremendous success with over 250 people supported so far. It’s heartening to see the positive impact it has on our community, providing essential support to families and individuals who may need a little extra support than others. As the new kid on the block they have already benefitted from being part of the food network with advice and guidance available from various other providers".
Hannah Wilkinson, Bright Futures Ferryhill CIC, said; "The Community Pantry is a vital service for people most in need, what with food inflation increasing rapidly, customers money is not going anywhere near as far as it used to! Also, people who are claiming Universal Credit have any debt deducted from the source, leaving no room for negotiations at amount to be repaid. All these factors have had a knock on effect on households readily available cash to purchase food".
Lilly Simpson, Livin Tenant, said; " I'm over the moon. We got a full week of shopping for less than £20. There's a great variety to choose from and lots of fresh fruit and veg".
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