Isle of Wight food pantry to open doors in Newport

Members of the Pyle Street Pantry will be able to visit once a week and take their pick of  produce, in return for a contribution of £5.

Based at Newport Congregational Church, it will aim to give those in need a helping hand, by providing food at a lower price than can be found in supermarkets.

The pantry is expected to open around Easter time.

• Read more: Pan Together Isle of Wight food pantry supports residents

Newport Congregational Church, Pyle Street, Newport. (Image: Google.)

It will be the town's second community food store - one is already operating on Pan Estate, operated by Pan Together and aimed at local residents who are also members of the community organisation, which is free to join.

Food pantries also operate in East Cowes, Ryde and Ventnor.

Membership applications for the new Newport pantry will be accepted once it opens its doors.

• Read more: How to help Isle of Wight Community Pantry in East Cowes

Rev Mark Evans said: "We are very excited about opening The Pyle Street Pantry having seen others on the Island, which are a breath of fresh air and a life line of support for people in this time.

"We have always worked in partnership to serve the community, particularly feeding people, over the last seven years.

"The Pyle Street Pantry will be a collaboration, working with many people locally and nationally to provide good quality food and assistance.

"Our vision is to create a ‘Community in unity’."

On the Isle of Wight, food pantries are supported by the Isle of Wight Council, through the connect4communities programme, with funding from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Three more are planned.

County Hall, home of the Isle of Wight Council.

Councillor Debbie Andre, the Isle of Wight Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "Being able to get groceries at a lower rate than can be found anywhere else means anyone can access basics like food, which many of us take for granted.

"Rising costs and economic uncertainty means many Island people are struggling to cope, so this provision has never been more important.” 

Councillor Ian Stephens, cabinet member for poverty, said: "This ongoing support will be vital for vulnerable families during these most challenging of times."