Chard Local Pantry celebrated their 1st Birthday on Saturday 24 February.

Chard is part of the Somerset Local Pantry Network (SLPN), who buy and collect surplus food and make it available to members for a low weekly fee. Each local pantry helps reduce food waste and makes food affordable for local families which saves them money.

Chard was set up thanks to the support and funding of multiple organisations, including the Local Pantry grant scheme and network, from the former South Somerset District Council, now Somerset Council, the local social landlord, Abri and the Lord’s Larder Chard. They’ve also received several donations from numerous businesses.

The local pantry was recently recognised at FareShare South West’s Social Impact Awards 2023, winning the Social and Community Award as members of the SLPN .

Cath Morrison, Vice Chair of the Chard Community Hub CIC, said:

We have a great team of volunteers who are committed and support us with welcoming members and collecting food.

FareShare South West have been amazing with the quality of the food they deliver, and we look forward to continuing the partnership.

In the last 12 months, we’ve seen an increase in demand, but it’s nothing that we can’t handle and we’re proud to say we’ve now supported over 50 Chard households.

SLPN is a partnership between Somerset Council, local community groups and food charity, FareShare South West.

Somerset Council provided initial grant money and support to help launch Local Pantries, but each pantry is independently run by voluntary sector groups, supporting each other as needed.

Food charity, Action Against Hunger, made a film about the Somerset pantries, highlighting the positive impact they make in communities. Watch it here: www.youtube.com/watchsomersetlocalpantries.

Full details of SLPN can be found here: www.somerset.gov.uk/localpantry.