New community pantry launches in Whittlesey

The Helping Whittlesey Community Pantry, which officially launched last week, brings volunteers, local businesses and the wider community together to re-distribute food that would otherwise go to waste.

Launch of the Helping Whittlesey Community Pantry. (Image: Helping Whittlesey Community Pantry)

Following on from their successful community Facebook channel set up in 2018, Helping Whittlesey has now become a charitable organisation and their aim is to redistribute surplus food and household items that would otherwise go to landfill, alongside continuing the long-standing community support provided through their Facebook page.

The group has been working hard this year to secure and refurbish a central Whittlesey venue, submit grant applications, and put all the policies, training and requirements in place to open a community pantry and fridge which is accessible to all.

It is based on the grounds of the Falcon Pub in Whittlesey and is initially open on Thursdays from 11am-12noon and Sundays from 5.30pm-6.30pm.

Helping Whittlesey has received support from several groups including environment and sustainability organisations PPS Independent Consultants and Peterborough Environment City Trust (PECT), Fenland District Council, The Peoples Postcode Lottery and Jenner Healthcare. This joined up approach offers a valuable co-ordinated resource to the community.

Chair of Helping Whittlesey, Anna Foster, said : "We are dedicated to making a positive impact on our local environment and society. The pantry is inclusive to all in the local community and food that is perfectly usable will be available.

"All the food is free, and a voluntary donation can be given to help with running costs. We have been running pop up sessions the last couple of weeks and all the surplus food we have collected has been taken which really proves the potential.

"We have had so much love and support from the public and I know this will carry on being a huge success."

She added : "We encourage as many local residents to use the service as possible to ensure that no food goes to waste. To help with running costs a voluntary donation can be given."

Keep up-to-date with Fenland District Council via Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and our newsletter The Fenlander.

October 2023