Community pantry and hub to tackle food poverty

The new site will be run by the local community

A new affordable food scheme and support centre opens later with the aim of tackling food poverty, whilst offering a range of community services.

Westgate Community Pantry and Hub, in Gloucester, is a joint project by social housing provider Gloucester City Homes (GCH) and Community Roots CIC.

The pantry will be organised by the local community, providing fresh and dry food at a reduced price to support residents experiencing financial hardship.

Deb Baker, director of Community Roots CIC, said the hub would give people "the opportunity to get practical help, learn new skills and get involved, and it will be a space where they can socialise and connect".

She added: "Westgate needs a place where people can come together and get support with food and everyday challenges."

The site includes a Social Action Hub for residents and organisations to learn community organising skills, undergo job training and get access to support such as financial advice.

Community Roots and local residents joined volunteers from Young Gloucestershire to spend 10 days painting and decorating the space.

Kevin Mannion, the King's Trust team leader at Young Gloucestershire, said young people getting involved in these types of community projects was important and "helps them feel part of the city and make a real difference".

GCH is renting out the building at a reduced cost for the first three years of the scheme, allowing organisers to focus on community impact and sustainability.

Chief executive Guy Stenson said they wanted to back a project that "puts the community in the lead".

"It's about trust, dignity, and giving people the chance to use their talents to promote inclusion, tackle food poverty and build something lasting together."