FAITH Christian Group has launched a new local pantry at Norcot Mission Church, providing support to needy families.
After a soft launch earlier in May, the church has officially opened its new support service, which offers food as well as a place for people meet and socialise.
For a weekly membership of £4, attendees will be given access to parcels of fresh fruit and vegetables as well as tinned and frozen goods.
The scheme is a local franchise of a subsidised national food provision service, with collaboration between the Faith Christian Group, ReadiFood, Catalyst Housing, and Reading Borough Council.
The weekly event was launched on Friday, May 10, with an official unveiling by Cllr Debs Edwards.
Amanda Bayley, assistant director of the Faith Christian Group, said: “Some of the people who have joined have brought their children, so they can play while mum and dad attend.
“We don’t always have control over what we’re able to provide, but we hope that we can help broaden people’s diets.”
“We know that one day food banks won’t be needed, but equally if there are more pantries, the pressure on food banks, which is huge at the moment, will then hopefully be reduced.”
She says also that the pantry is the first in the south east.
It runs alongside the Norcot Mission Cafe, which takes place from 10am-noon and 4-6pm on Fridays.
“I think it’s about options, and people feeling that they need a bit of help, even if it’s just at the end of the month,
“They can come here, they can get a standard or family membership, choose their food, and off they go.
“You don’t have to turn up every week, or every month, but hopefully it’ll help people, whether they’re on low income or universal credit, we’re here.”
The launch was also attended by representatives from Catalyst Housing, as well as Reading Borough Council, including the deputy mayor, Cllr Debs Edwards, who cut the ribbon.
Ms Bayley said that the charity was lucky to be working alongside the council.
“Our relationship with the council over last five or ten years has been amazing.”
Cllr Edwards said: “Most think that Reading is a quite rich town, but there are pockets of deprivation, and this shows that we have to recognise that.
“The council is working hard to pick up grants and money for projects like this, so I’d like to see more places like here, which help people with loneliness as well as stocking up.
“People that need help might feel ashamed if they can’t afford to buy food, but with increases in National Insurance, the cost of power, all of that stuff is creeping up.”
“This is a good start, but we haven’t reached the peak yet, so I would like to see more.”
The pantry is one of a number of services provided in partnership with Your Local Pantry, a social franchise which helps create food and social hubs through sourcing supplies.
The pantry is open from 10am-noon, and again from 4-6pm, on Fridays at the Norcot Mission Church, Brockley Close.
Membership costs £4 a visit.
To sign up, visit: www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk
