An urgent fundraising campaign has been launched to save Cowes Community Pantry from eviction.
The pantry, operated by BabyBank Network Isle of Wight (soon to be renamed Feeding Isle of Wight), is under threat after receiving notice to vacate its premises on Seaview Road from its landlord.
The charity says the eviction could result in the loss of a vital community hub that supports dozens of local people each week, including struggling families, the elderly, and individuals facing hardship. A total of £7,000 needs to be raised.
A spokesperson for the charity has said:
“This isn’t just a building. It’s a safe haven. A place where struggling families come for food, warmth, dignity, and hope. It’s where we look each other in the eye and say, ‘You’re not alone.’
“We’re raising funds to cover the legal fees and solicitor costs needed to respond to this eviction and protect the pantry. We are determined to stand our ground – but we need professional support to do it right.”
The team at the pantry has asked that visitors only park in bays 1-4 or on the road, to avoid any further complications.
Volunteers have described the pantry as a crucial service that is built on love, donations, and community effort.
For more information or to donate, visit the charity’s online fundraising page.
Not enough details here.
Why are they being evicted might be a good bit of information. I guess, haven’t paid the rent, end of rental agreement, breached conditions of their stay there?
They are asking for money to fight against something that might be a result of something they could have avoided, who knows?
The landlord has form on summary evictions.
And as for parking – anyone been down Seaview Road on a Sunday morning? Cars parked all over the place, super-dangerous, no-one does a thing about it.
It is very frustrating, IW Council let Numpty’s park anywhere
there are NO rules on the island re parking.
Seaview is getting worse, it use to be ok.
What gets on my tits is Vans park on Double Yellow Lines
Islandwide because they are doing various works etc.
NO EXCUSES, they should drop off their tools and materials
then go and park up without holding up traffic.
It’s 2025 and this USELESS COUNCIL still don’t
own tow trucks.
Tow away the vehicles and crush them, they won’t park
all over the place then.
There is another foodbank five minutes walk away, why don’t they pool resources. Each one has overheads seems silly to have twice the costs. Or is it because it also pays a wage to the charity bosses who do not want a pay cut.