About the Local Pantries
A Local Pantry is a community-run project that buys or collects surplus food to prevent it going to waste, and then makes it available to their members for a weekly fee, charging between £3.50 and £5.
As the food is ‘surplus’, due to a seasonal glut or change in branding for example, the Local Pantry does not know what it will be offered, so members will have a ‘mystery parcel’ each week.
The number of items varies and usually, but not always, includes fresh, chilled and ambient (tinned or dried) foods. A typical week could include fruit and vegetables, eggs, and dairy or non-dairy drinks, pasta, cereals, and tinned foods. There are sometimes ready meals and sweet treats.
The value of the food also varies but always exceeds the membership fee, sometimes considerably.
Why are there Local Pantries?
Millions of tonnes of good food are wasted in the food industry supply chain every year. When food waste goes to landfill it generates CO2 emissions which contribute to climate change. At the same time, millions of people are struggling to afford to eat.
By working in partnership with organisations like surplus food charity FareShare South West, local retailers and allotment groups, the Local Pantries are tackling these three issues.
What to expect
A Local Pantry is a membership scheme. The only criterion for membership is living within 15-minutes of the Local Pantry, ideally by walking or by bike. This is mainly for food safety reasons but it also means members have the opportunity to meet and get to know others from their local area. Members will need a shopping bag and a chiller, which they need to bring each week. Some Local Pantries offer these on week one. Do ask when signing up. If running late or not able to collect, it is important members let the team know, so food is not wasted.
As well as food, some Local Pantries may offer social activities, training opportunities, a café, or the chance to talk with specialist agencies such as Citizen’s Advice. Each Local Pantry will develop its offer in response to the interests of its members and what it is able to run or host.
As places are limited Local Pantries may have a waiting list and will get in touch when a space becomes available. Members can leave at any time and normally join for three-six months – sometimes more and sometimes less.
Allergies and special diets can often be supported so members should advise of these as well as checking the food items themselves.
By joining a Local Pantry you’re saving perfectly good food from going to waste, which is good for the planet and you’re saving money too.
Below you will find information and contact details for each Local Pantry in Somerset. If you would like to become a member, make food or financial donations or volunteer at any of the existing Local Pantries please get in touch directly.
If interested in having a Local Pantry or you can support more than one Local Pantry, please contact Somerset Council using the email below or contact Citizen’s advice and ask for the Food Resilience Project Lead. Jill Loader, Email jill.loader@CASomerset.org.uk or Phone 01984 600396.
Latest news
Contact information
Email: Communities@somerset.gov.uk
Local Pantry Details
East Bridgwater (Sydenham) Pantry
Operates – Wednesday afternoon
Sydenham Community Hub. TA6 4HX
Email: ppaulinehayes@icloud.com
East Bridgwater Pantry Facebook
South Bridgwater (Hamp) Local Pantry
Operates – Wednesday afternoon
Recreation Community Centre, TA6 6HZ
Phone: 01278 427692
Email: pantry@bridgwater-tc.gov.uk
South Bridgwater Local Pantry Facebook
Victoria Park Local Pantry (Bridgwater)
Operates – Tuesday afternoon
Victoria Park Community Centre, TA6 7AS
Email: pantry@vpcc.co.uk
Highbridge and Burnham-on-Sea (HBoS) Local Pantry
Operates – Friday afternoon
Trowbridge Close Community Centre. TA9 3AZ
Email: hbos.pantry@gmail.com
Minehead Area Local Pantry
Operates – Tuesday afternoon
Parish Church of St. Michael the Archangel, Alcombe. TA24 6BN
Email: foodcupboardws@outlook.com
Website: West Somerset Food Cupboard
Rowbarton Local Pantry (Taunton)
Operates – Tuesday afternoon
Rowbarton Methodist Church. TA2 6LA
Email: rowbartonpantry@gmail.com
Rowbarton Local Pantry Facebook
Best Before Food Store (Wellington)
Operates – Tuesday afternoon
The Well, Christian Centre in Rockwell Green TA21 9BZ
Email: wellingtonpantry@gmail.com
Best Before Food Store Facebook
Westfield Local Pantry (Yeovil)
Operates – Friday afternoon.
Westfield Community Centre, BA21 3DY
Email: stpeterscc@outlook.com
Website: Westfield Community Centre Pantry
Chard Local Pantry
Operates – Friday afternoon
Chard Community Hub, Boden Centre, TA20 1PH
Phone or text: 07971 373831
Wivey Kitchen Local Pantry (Wiveliscombe)
Operates – Friday mornings
The Old School Rooms, St Andrew’s Church, Church Street, TA4 2LR
Email: info@wiveykitchen.org
Phone or text – 07587 488420
Website: Wivey Kitchen
