Right here in our café, we have a Community Pantry that offers affordable, fresh food and essentials to help local people stretch their budgets and reduce food waste. Since opening in January 2022, over 300 residents have joined, saving an average of £22 a week on their grocery bills while accessing nutritious options that support their health and wellbeing.
The pantry has helped me enormously with my weekly budget. I have felt less isolated since joining the pantry as it was easier to talk to like-minded people. I feel the pantry is a vital support for the community struggling through this cost-of-living crisis, also reducing food waste at the same time.
Pantry member
For just £1 a year, anyone living with an SO postcode can become a member and visit once a week to choose from a variety of items, no pre-packed bags, just the things you actually need.
Opening Hours:
Monday to Friday, 8am-2pm, at Round About Café.
Affordable Options:
- 10 items for £3.50
- 15 items for £5.00
Why Join?
- Choice: Pick what works for you.
- Open to All: Anyone with an SO postcode can join.
- Save Money: Members save money every week on groceries, helping ease the cost of living.
- Connect: A welcoming space to meet neighbours and build community.
- Get Involved: Volunteer opportunities available to give back.
Thanks to partnerships with FareShare and local supermarkets, we rescue good-quality food that might otherwise go to waste; over 27,120kg of food has been saved so far! Plus, we share seasonal recipes through our social media so you can make the most of what’s available.
Ready to Join?
Becoming a pantry member is easy just pop into the café, fill out a short form, and pay your £1 joining fee. You’ll get a membership card and can start shopping right away.
Prefer to plan ahead? Download the form here and bring it with you.
Got questions? We’re happy to help, just ask a member of the team.
Every membership helps build a stronger, more connected Mansbridge. Let’s make a difference together.
What our customers say:
“I used the pantry and other food banks when I was experiencing hardship through a time of mental illness, overwhelming work commitments and housing difficulties. Having a facility that supports basic human needs is vital to help people get back on their feet. I no longer use the food banks, and I now can contribute to them to help the next person going through tough times. These human and compassionate resources are supportive and vital, now and in the future. Organisers and volunteers deserve recognition in pre-empting needs for people to survive and the campaign is worthy of growth for future generations to access healthy and nutritious food resources. Thank you for making a difference to my journey from hardship to good health.”
“The pantry helps to stop good food going to waste and landfill and it fills in gaps in my food shopping during the week.”