Newport Pantry, based within Newport Congregational Church, recently celebrated its 2nd anniversary.
Susie Sheldon, Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, and High Sheriff Jacque Gazzard were special guests.
Held weekly, the Newport Pantry is run by manager Leanne and her assistant Zoe, with help from 10 regular volunteers. Around 10,000 transactions have taken place over the 2 years.
Donations are always welcome but the majority of food is bought on a wholesale basis from Morrisons.
Each week up to 100 people turn up, spread over 2x 2-hour time slots. Attendees pay £5 per visit but registration on the initial visit is necessary.
Over the 2 years of the pantry His Majesty’s Government has paid in almost £250,000,with the administration of the scheme carried out by the Isle of Wight Council under the Household Support Fund.
Reverend Mark Evans, from Newport Congregational Church, praised the sterling efforts of the dedicated band of volunteers who keep the pantry running.
Mark thanked the Wight Aid Foundation for their valuable funding which helped the Pantry provide physical food as well as spiritual food. Looking to the future, he said they hope to extend their current kitchen.
In her role as Lord Lieutenant, Susie Sheldon mentioned that she goes to some wonderful places on the Island, but this was her first visit to the Pantry. She said the team did an amazing job undertaken with a friendly approach.
High Sheriff Jacque Gazzard said it was an excellent example of a local community relationship, particularly with Morrisons supermarket.
To mark the anniversary, refreshments were provided by SNG Housing, along with a celebration cake made by one of the Pantry volunteers.
