Heidi Glendenning is the Founder of The Pantry, Kenninghall, a food hub providing affordable food to household members. Thanks to a collaboration with Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District there is now a new service: The Shelf Pop-up Pantry. Heidi explains more
Firstly, I am a mum and a wife. I voluntarily manage the Pantry, Kenninghall and am a member of The Board of Operations for the Nourishing Norfolk Network. I am also an Early Intervention Coach, supporting Primary aged children through life’s challenges.
My background is in Marketing and, before getting involved with the Nourishing Norfolk Network, I knew very little about food poverty, I just saw a need within our community and decided to take action. It’s now become something that I’m very passionate about.
What is the background to The Pantry at Kenninghall?
The Pantry Kenninghall came about with me delivering food boxes from our home garages to local residents and neighbours in need during the pandemic. It quickly became apparent there was a huge level of hidden rural poverty.
The Norfolk Community Foundation kindly gave some funding to expand these food boxes and approached me about opening a local food hub. In November 2021 had an initial meeting and agreed to become part of the Nourishing Norfolk Network. At this point I realised that this was beyond just me and my friend shopping, packing and delivering food boxes ourselves. So, we put a plea out for volunteers – we had a fantastic response and continue to have our core team with us and many more have joined us since. We then opened The Pantry in September 2022. We support over 220 households, which is in excess of 600 members.
How has The Pantry helped people living in the area since launching?
We support households through a variety of different ways and wrap around support. The Pantry offers members free fruit, veg, bread and period products and other household food/toiletries at on average 30% cheaper than a supermarket. We also run a weekly mindfulness café which offers a range of different activities from bingo to flower arranging,
Our wraparound support services include fuel support, purchasing school uniforms for members, transport support, cookery workshops, craft workshops, children birthday support, Christmas hampers and more – the list goes on!
What is the new partnership with the local Citizens Advice and how is it helping even more people, with The Shelf Pop-Up Pantry? Where will you be popping up first?
The Shelf Pop-up Pantry will operate as a series of pop-up pantries across rural community locations, delivering nutritious food and pantry essentials to those in need of support. This innovative approach not only increases accessibility to affordable items it will work with services and initiatives across Breckland to provide increased access to wraparound services and support.
Key Highlights:
Community-Centric Service: The Shelf pop-up pantry will visit different rural villages and locations, making it easier for residents to access healthy and nutritious food without the need to travel far.
Affordable and Nourishing Options: The new service aims to provide affordable and nourishing food and lower-cost products, recognising the need for this across rural communities.
Diverse Offerings: The Pop-up stocks a variety of food items, including fresh produce, dairy products, non-perishable goods, and essential household items.
Wraparound Support and Advice: In addition to food, the service aims to bring further wraparound support and advice by partnering with organisations that offer guidance in various areas such as energy advice, debt advice, money tips, and mental health support.
Support and Sustainability: The service is designed to provide long-term support to the community, with a focus on sustainability and reducing food waste.
Locations and When: The new service will cover villages across Breckland, stopping at Community Centres each week for a morning or afternoon session. The first locations will be North Lopham and Old Buckenham in August and roll-out to other locations after this.
The service is a collaboration between The Pantry, Kenninghall and Citizens Advice Diss, Thetford and District.
How can people generally access the services of The Pantry – and/or find out more?
They can pop along during our opening times Mon/Tue/Thurs/Fri 9.30-11.30am or visit our Facebook page – The Pantry Kenninghall, or email us at thepantrykenninghall@yahoo.com
Any plans you can share?
We always have something in the pipeline – we’re currently busy booking our Autumn Christmas workshops in, which will include a Children’s Italian cookery workshop, Christmas baking workshop, Christmas flower arrangement workshop and Christmas crafts.
We recently featured on BBC Radio 4 (The Food Programme – Feeding Norfolk – BBC Sounds) with Delia Smith and won the Excellence in Volunteer Management Award 2024 presented by Delia.
Visit The Pantry, Kenninghall on Facebook.
Featured images – supplied
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