The Community Pantry is extending its opening hours for a trial period to support those who work.
The service, which runs out of the Elliot Building in the town hall every Tuesday, will open from 2pm to 6pm from 3rd March.
Run by Fair Frome, the service supports people experiencing food insecurity. The membership-only service allows member to access support for 6 months. Households can complete the registration themselves and complete a shop for just £3 or £5 a week, giving people flexibility and choice on how much they spend.
Over the last year, the pantry became busier, with 210 households using it and over 70 household members.
Fair Frome Assistant Coordinator Rebecca Harrison, who leads the project, said, “We need to respond to the need in the town and that is always what Fair Frome has done. As well as providing a choice of fresh, frozen and cupboard food items and toiletries for members, we also offer wrap-around signposting to other services to address individual needs. By opening later, residents who work can pop in on their way home and we can help more households. “
A dedicated support worker from Purple Elephant Family Support also attends the pantry to provide activities and support for families at every session. Once a month there is also an energy advisor to support people in reducing their energy bills.
Fair Frome welcomes new applications at any time and looks forward to meeting new members.
Fair Frome is a local charity delivering hands-on projects to alleviate the effects of poverty on our residents. These projects include the Food Bank, Furniture Bank, Food at 5 Community Meals, School Holiday Lunches and the Baby Basics Bank.
To sign up to the Fair Frome Community Pantry or to find out more about the project just go to www.fairfrome.org/our-services/communitypantry/
Or alternatively email pantry@fairfrome.org.
Pictured: Volunteers in the Community Pantry
