How can churches strengthen community food access, without compromising on people’s dignity?

It’s a question that many have wrestled with over the years, but increasingly churches are finding a solution.

 

Revival House Church in East London is one of more than 60 churches that now run a Your Local Pantry. Non-church community groups run a further 60 in a network that now reaches 120 neighbourhoods, across all four nations of the UK.

Pantries are built on dignity, choice and hope. Whereas older community food projects often focused on handing out food, Pantries have the look and feel of neighbourhood corner shops.

People living near a Pantry can join, and then in return for a few pounds each weekly visit, they can choose ten items from the well-stocked shelves. The membership model means people quickly get to know one another, and research has shown that as well as household savings, Pantries lead to enhanced community connection, improved diet, improved physical and mental wellbeing, and better access to other local services and opportunities.

Joyce Muigai, manager at the Revival House Pantry in East Ham, says:

“We have been here since July 2024. We wanted to move more people from the food bank to Pantry, and our grace advocacy work had also started. We asked people why they depended on the food bank, and if they wanted to have a conversation about money.

I had come from another Pantry in Birmingham, so I suggested it was something the church looked into doing.

This is so much more dignified. There is choice, and community and a sense of working together. People know they are making a contribution when they come. As many people have come to appreciate the Pantry, some have moved from the food bank to the Pantry.

We are in a place where there are people from Sikh, Muslim and Christian communities. The church is playing a very big role in bringing people together and serving the community.

As they overcome the circumstances in their lives (especially finances), and also as we get more items that are culturally sensitive, such as Halal, we are hoping more will come onboard.”

 

Last November, the Your Local Pantry network reached its millionth visit UK-wide. In London and South East England, there are 34 Pantries. Collectively, they have supported 40,000 people in 14,000 households, and have been visited more than 230,000 times.

 

Joyce’s advice to any churches just starting out on a Pantry, or similar project, is:

“You need systems that are working, in terms of volunteers, where the food comes from, and having relationships with people around you. You can also expect there to be a lot of fun conversations in the Pantry!”

Images and text provided by Your Local Pantry/Church Action on Poverty.