Hampshire villages to get travelling pantry to help cut food costs

Food in the pantries is either grown, surplus, donated or purchased food through funding

A new travelling community pantry will be launched to help people who are struggling with the rising cost of food.

The service will visit residents in Hampshire, including West Wellow, Stockbridge and King's Somborne.

For a small weekly contribution to the pantry, members will receive food products of a higher total value.

A stationary service in Piland's Wood, Bursledon, will also operate from the community centre.

Residents using the travelling pantry will be asked to pay £5 on each visit, allowing people to select 12 items of food.

The service will visit King's Somborne on Wednesdays, and Stockbridge on Fridays, between 09:30 and 11:30 BST, with West Wellow awaiting a designated day.

Gosport is one of 21 existing pantries across Hampshire

The pantries will be funded by Hampshire County Council's Household Support Fund (HSF) as part of a county-wide package of support totalling more than £424,000.

The travelling pantry will be run by Test Valley charity Unity, with Piland's Wood Community Association overseeing the service in Bursledon.

Edward Heron, the council's executive lead member for children's services, said pantries were at the heart of many communities across Hampshire.

"As well as providing affordable weekly food shopping for their members, pantries are a friendly and safe space, creating an environment that encourages a feeling of inclusion and belonging," he added.

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