The Yare Valley Churches Community Pantry, initially set up as a trial in 2023, continues to see a high demand for their services, with more people in need of food support than initially anticipated. The pantry, located in St Laurence Church in Brundall, operates once a week with no need for referral or registration. The pantry has a team of 7 volunteers and is looking to expand to open for a second morning each week. People attending the pantry cite various reasons for needing food assistance, including low wages, ill-health, seeking asylum, and relationship breakdowns. Provisions are currently sourced mainly from anonymous donors within the church family, but the pantry is seeking to partner with the wider community to increase donations and support.
Despite efforts to address food insecurity in the community, the Yare Valley Churches Community Pantry continues to see a steady flow of people in need of food support. The pantry’s team, led by Diana Buck, is hopeful that the need for their services will decrease over time but has not yet seen a decrease in demand. The pantry has received donations from various organizations, including the local primary school, Women’s Institute, and Parkrun, and has established links with Scout and Cub groups. However, the increasing need for food assistance has resulted in demand outstripping donations, highlighting the ongoing issue of hidden deprivation within local communities. The pantry currently operates on Mondays and is exploring ways to expand its services to better meet the needs of the community.
The Yare Valley Churches Community Pantry aims to provide support to individuals and families facing food insecurity due to various factors such as low wages, health issues, and relationship breakdowns. The pantry’s open-access policy allows anyone in need of food assistance to receive support without the need for referral or registration. With a team of dedicated volunteers and support from the wider community, the pantry has been able to provide essential food supplies to those in need. The pantry is actively seeking to partner with more organizations and individuals to increase donations and volunteer support in order to meet the growing demand for their services.
As the Yare Valley Churches Community Pantry continues to see a high demand for their services, the team remains committed to providing essential food supplies to those facing food insecurity in the community. Despite challenges such as limited donations and increasing need, the pantry’s volunteers are dedicated to supporting individuals and families in need. By partnering with the wider community and encouraging donations and volunteer support, the pantry aims to expand its services and reach more people in need of food assistance. The ongoing efforts of the pantry demonstrate a commitment to addressing food insecurity and supporting those in need within the local community.
