Pantry expands services due to growing need

A social supermarket is set to expand its services in response to growing demand.

Those who use The Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton, Dorset, pay a small membership fee and can then choose the food they would like.

It has now been given permission for a change of use to a commercial unit, meaning volunteers can expand the services to six days a week, starting with a breakfast club.

The new premises will also allow the Pantry to collect surplus food from around north Dorset to make into "nutritious" meals for those who need it.

The Vale Pantry said the meals would be delivered to the elderly in the community.

It is hoped the scheme would reduce food waste, improve health and wellness, and provide social interaction for elderly or housebound people.

The community venture has been running since November 2020.

It now has around 45 volunteers, including a dedicated Citizens Advice advisor who, over that period, has helped individuals in need claim £60,000 in benefits they were entitled to.

The planning application for the 750 sq m (8073 sq ft) building was made by Dorset councillor Carole Jones, who volunteers with the group.

In a statement, the Pantry said it worked across north Dorset to help more than financially disadvantaged 350 families.

"Providing fresh food is simply where the work starts," it said.

"Uncovering the causes of food poverty allows the team at the Pantry to work on a bespoke basis to help families and individuals back on their feet through a variety of strategies."

It said there was a "need for more intensive work", meaning the venture needed to move to a larger site and become part of Dorset Council's Family Hub network.

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