Tesco supports West Bromwich Pantry with affordable groceries

Members of the community in West Bromwich can ensure they have access to good quality food, thanks to the tireless work of the team at J’s Pantry, a members-run initiative which provides locals with affordable food, no matter their situation.

Set up over a year ago with only two volunteers, they’ve responded to demand and now have twelve volunteers helping more than 60 users a week.

They provide individuals with accessible, affordable groceries through a £6 membership which means members can access the equivalent of a £20 food shop. Such an initiative breakdowns barriers many associate with pantries and food banks, making them widely available to anyone in community who might be struggling to put food on the table.

The pantry is set up on a system that guarantees members access to a variety of foods, including protein, cupboard essentials, and fruits and vegetables. This system encourages healthy eating and ensures that everyone can access a balanced diet, regardless of their circumstances.

J’s Pantry isn’t just dedicated to providing the community with food, those signed up can also access weekly advice from a community citizen advisor to discuss ways to reduce bills, budget, and feel more supported. On Fridays, their committed cost of living team drops in to help sign people up for the pantry, apply for jobs, and provide guidance throughout their period of difficulty.

Due to lack of funding, J’s Pantry supplements their supplies with food from Tesco, as part of their Community Food Connection scheme. Community Food Connection runs at every Tesco store across the county and every day provides surplus food from Tesco directly to community groups, in partnership with food redistribution charity FareShare.

The food from Tesco allows J’s Pantry to provide members with a selection of foods –especially fruit and vegetables, which can often be a struggle to secure through donations.

Jo Haydon, CEO of 4 Community Trust, said: “Food is an important part of all our lives, and to be able to provide the residents of our community with one less thing to worry about– the food shop– gives them back a little bit of normalcy in their lives.

‘We currently support a wide range of people through the pantry: pensioners, long-term carers, working families and single people. However, with 122 people currently signed up to shop, it can be difficult ensuring everyone has access to a balanced basket. So, we appreciate the food donations from Cradley Heath Tesco and FareShare because they allow us to bulk up our stock, and make sure everyone gets a fair shop.”

Claire De Silva, Head of Community at Tesco, said: “Such community-led initiatives are needed now more than ever. It’s fantastic to know that the people of West Bromwich have a place they can go, no matter their background, and be provided with nutritious food at a fraction of the price, thanks to J’s Pantry.

‘Their team of volunteers go above and beyond; you can see just how much the community means to them through the range of support they provide. It’s a privilege to say we’ve been able to assist them through the Community Food Connection.”

Charities and community groups that could benefit from the support of the Community Food Connection scheme can find further information at: www.fareshare.org.uk/getting-food