The Co-op Group has announced a partnership with Your Local Pantry, a network of membership food shops, in a bid to improve household finances and bring people together around food.
The news follows new research from the Group which reveals a third of those impacted by the rising cost of living are turning to food charities more often.
The partnership, which is funded by the Group’s members, aims to triple the Your Local Pantry network within three years from 75 to 225 across the UK, creating almost 650,000 visits by July 2025. The partnership will focus on communities where additional food solutions will make a significant difference to the cost of living.
Related: How co-ops are helping colleagues and members through the cost of living crisis
It is hoped the pantries will support over 30,000 Your Local Pantry members who will save on average £15 per shop, with members often saving £1,000 or more a year or more on shopping bills. Overall, the new locations will help to save Your Local Pantry members up and down the UK an estimated £5m when fully operational, the Group adds.
Pantries are open to all and work like any other grocery store, in that customers choose food from the shelves. The pantries are run by uniformed staff and volunteers who manage the stores with hand-held technology. Members pay a small subscription of a few pounds a week (ranging from £3.50 – £6.50 dependant on location), and in return can choose groceries worth many times more.
Rebecca Birkbeck, director of community & membership at the Group, said: “Everybody should have access to good food. This innovative new partnership with Your Local Pantry complements our existing initiatives to provide dignified long-term solutions to food insecurity and the cost of living.
“Pantries are all about dignity, choice and hope. Each one operates as a member-led neighbourhood hub, often serving as a springboard to other community initiatives, opportunities and ideas.
“Things are tough for many of us at the moment and we are proud that pantries will be there to support people and their local communities in dealing with the challenges that are thrown at them, it feels like a real step in the right direction to make the world that little bit fairer.”
James Henderson, Your Local Pantry network development coordinator, added: “Pantries have enabled tens of thousands of people around the UK to strengthen their community and loosen the grip of high prices. Pantries reduce isolation, foster community and friendships, improve health and pre-empt poverty, and this exciting new partnership with Co-op will enable thousands more people to join and enjoy Pantries.”
