The Pantri is set to open in its new location this month at 49 Tredegar street Risca, after an amazingly successful first year at the Snug Coffee Shop (formally We Connect). We still get a lot of people shying away from using us as a sustainable shopping solution purely due to the believe they are taking food from those in need. In this blog we will explain the differences between a community pantry and a food bank. The intention is to clear up any questions you may have and to clearly show that The Pantri is a hand up for everyone, not just a hand out for those in need.
What is a Food Bank
A food bank is a not for profit organisation that distributes food to those who would otherwise have no means in which to buy any. They prevent people going hungry by supplying cupboard staples.
The Trussel Trust, arguably one of the best known food networks in the UK sum up their mission on their website as our providing emergency food and compassionate, dignified support to people locked in crisis.
Food banks rely on donations of food from businesses, churches, individuals and collection points in supermarkets. Our Tin on a Wall scheme was instrumental in supporting food banks during lockdown when a majority of the traditional methods used to get food were shut due to covid restrictions.
Between 2021-22 the trussel trust network gave out 2.1 million emergency food parcels to people in urgent need and crisis.
What is a Community Pantry
A community pantry is also a not for profit organisation. Food is sourced through other charities and through businesses to prevent perfectly good, useable and in date food going into landfill.
It’s common to pay a subscription to a pantry to pay for admin fees and costs of securing food. You also pay for your items or basket of food. Prices and subscriptions range from pantry to pantry.
Currently, at The Pantri, we charge a subscription of £2 for every 6 months. Our members also pay £4 per level basket of food with items from our tinned and dry goods. Fresh and frozen items can also be added to your basket.
At The Pantri we’ve partnered with Fareshare to secure 200kgs of food every week. We also have a fantastic partnership with Blakemore & Sons to secure a significant amount of food every Wednesday to ensure there are also options for you.
The Difference Between a Community Pantry and a Food Bank?
For us the answer is simple a food bank provides those in desperate need with a vital hand out to get through their financial crisis. It is a short term solution. Food parcels are chosen for you and special items need to be requested.
Our Pantri is a hand up to those who need it. This is a long term shopping solution to those looking to be more economical and ecological with their grocery shopping. You chose your own items, at your own pace. You pay £4 for your shopping and are empowered to create meals with the great items on offer. The Pantri is open to all. You are not taking food away from people who are in desperate need, we ensure that we have enough food for everyone.
Donate Now
Although the main priority of The Pantri is to give a sustainable shopping solution to South Wales, we are run by Community Volunteers Wales. We are a charitable organisation that offers a low cost solution to help people on the brink of financial crisis. You can help your community by donating a basket for those in need. Message us today if you would like to set up a monthly donation of just £4 a month.