Support from Community pantries

Community pantries offer access by membership to a range of food products, for a small weekly contribution you will receive food to a significantly higher value. Pantries organise activities, provide wraparound support services and opportunities for social interaction for all of their members. They all offer a friendly and safe space for all their users, creating an environment that encourages a feeling of inclusion and belonging.

There are now 26 community pantries – one of which is a travelling pantry and another being an eco-market, that have been set up across Hampshire providing access to discounted food. In addition, there are 10 locations that are being served by a mobile larder operated by FareShare.

Community pantries provide groceries at a lower cost than supermarkets or shops, offering a range of fresh, frozen and general foods which can change on a weekly basis. In addition, the pantries are working to help reduce food waste by working with local food businesses.

Who can use a community pantry?

Anyone can access their local community pantry - all it takes is to sign up as a member, which then allows you to use the community pantry once a week. Community pantries aim to support those in financial hardship, food vulnerability and in need of community support but there are no criteria that must be met and there is no referral system. The membership process is managed through the pantry directly, please contact or visit your local pantry to become a member.

For further information, contact [email protected]

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List of community pantries

The following pantries are part of the Hampshire Community Pantry Network. Other options may also be available in your area – see Connect to Support Hampshire for information, selecting the ‘Help with food’ option. This link also includes details of food bank services in Hampshire.

Basingstoke & Deane

East Hampshire

Eastleigh

Fareham

Gosport

Hart

Havant

Rushmoor

Test Valley

Winchester

New Forest FareShare Mobile Larders

Cooking on a budget

For low-cost recipes and ideas for using ingredients purchased from a community pantry visit the Education Catering website. Education Catering - the Hampshire school caterers – also offer tips for making ingredients go further and reducing food waste.

Other support

For more information regarding other support for your household, see these links:

Household Support Fund
Support with gas, electric and water bills
Food vouchers and housing costs – Hampshire
Support from education and early years settings
Information and advice