A Busy Month for the Purfleet Pantry!
If you don’t know, the Purfleet Pantry is our social supermarket at Southgates Roundabout, which was launched back in 2023.
Social supermarkets are community-based shops that sell food and everyday essentials at affordable prices specifically to people experiencing financial hardship in the community. Unlike food banks, members can shop a huge range of products in the Pantry, which helps preserve dignity, independence and sustainability.
Community events this month
Firstly, Karen held her ‘Cooking in the Community’ session at Cornerstone Baptist Church, South Lynn. This is one of the Purfleet Pantry’s regular workshops which teaches our members how to cook smarter, save money and reduce food waste.
This session included a cook along demonstration of couscous stuffed peppers, red velvet cupcakes and a craft session for children as well.
Next, spring has officially sprung in the Pantry!
Our amazing volunteers have gotten stuck into our window display featuring a Spring and Easter theme. If you ever pass by the Pantry, you’ll know just how special the window display is, and our volunteers have worked their magic again!
We also have put together our Mother’s Day gift cart in the shop, which is proving very popular. There’s still plenty of thoughtful gifts left so make sure you pop into the shop if you’re looking for a special present this year!
We’ve also seen some amazing progress at our new allotment project at Wardles Chase.
Started last year, this project aims to be an accessible allotment for people we support to learn all about healthy, organic produce, in a community-led, dynamic space.
When we took over the allotment, it needed a lot of work. Since then, we’ve been working hard, alongside support from the Probation Service, to get the allotment in shape and ready for growing. There will be lots of activity at our allotment in the coming months and we can’t wait to share it with you!
As you can see, we’ve been very busy this month at the Purfleet Pantry!
From cooking workshops, to new projects and much more, the Pantry is constantly growing to meet the needs of our community. At face value, the Purfleet Pantry is an affordable supermarket, but in reality it’s so much more – from tackling the Cost of Living crisis, to meeting educational needs and combatting social isolation.
We are so proud of how far the Pantry has come in the last few years, and the benefits it brings to South Lynn are clear to see every day.
Supporting the Pantry
At the moment, the Pantry is in need of donation of small electrical appliances like kettles, toasters, microwaves and airfryers.
Your donations can make such a difference – please give if you can.
Thank you.
