East Suffolk Council
Helping people access affordable food
Community groups, organisations and town and parish councils are invited to apply for funding to help provide affordable food to East Suffolk residents in need.
Supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the East Suffolk Pantries Grant Scheme is a three-year programme which aims to fund the initial set up of community pantries across the district, helping people in need to access affordable food in their local community.
The pantries provide a welcoming space, similar to a shop, where people can pay a subscription of less than £5 per week and receive food worth at least £15 in return. Pantries can also provide additional support, signposting to other local services and help to reduce social isolation.
Following successful previous rounds of funding, the next round of funding applications is now open. Grants of up to £4,500 are available and applications close on 28 June.
Cllr Sarah Whitelock, East Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for Communities, Leisure and Tourism said: “Many people are still struggling with food costs and are finding it difficult to buy essential items. This scheme aims to give users of community pantries some certainty about their weekly budget and supply what they need for a small weekly payment. The pantries also help manage the demand on increasingly busy foodbanks.”
Previous recipients of the funding include the Food Hall at Number 28 on Wingfield Street in Bungay, run by Bungay Community Support, and Larder on the Hill at Bloodmoor Community Centre. Both pantries are now supporting local households every week to get access to affordable food.
Pantry providers will become part of the East Suffolk Food Network, bringing together organisations providing both affordable food, and food in times of crisis. The network will be used to share best practice, gain support and manage access to surplus food to ensure fairness in distribution.
Applications are welcome from community and voluntary groups, organisations and town and parish councils.