A Pendleton pantry has appealed for extra donations from the public so that it can provide enough food amidst an influx of new members.
Lucie’s Pantry, located on Fitzwarren Street works with Emmaus Salford and has been open since 2016. It provides £20 worth of essential items per week to its members, who pay £2.50 a week.
However, since the cost of living crisis, the pantry has seen an increase in members, but also a decrease in donations, meaning certain essentials items aren’t always available
Currently, the pantry can only open five days a week but is looking to open Saturdays as well, provided enough funds can be raised.
The pantry took to Twitter to appeal for donations.
Donations needed to support our #LuciesPantry members.
We’re always in need of… pasta, tea, coffee, sugar, biscuits, jars of sauce, toiletries, loo roll, sanitary products and nappies.
More info: https://t.co/k6pTXCx550#CharityTuesday pic.twitter.com/dcyGtwBQQV
— Emmaus Salford (@Emmaus_Salford) October 11, 2022
Jackie Smith, Community Director of Emmaus Salford spoke about how they have tried to combat this. She said: “We’ve had quite a significant increase in membership numbers over the past two or three months, every time there is a cost of living crisis message on the news, we seem to go further up in numbers.
“We’re trying our best to ensure we have the shelves full of what people need and that’s not just items that will fill the shelves, it’s also about providing nutritional value and also to consider energy efficiency, so we’re going away from oven baked items, and going for more microwave and air fryer items so we’re considering the best solutions all round.”
Despite the struggle, the pantry has largely been able to accommodate for its members, their main issue is that they want to open on a Saturday.
When explaining why it was important for it to be open on a Saturday, Jackie outlined the positive impact it has on the City of Salford.
Ms Smith said: “We’ve provided a vital service, we’ve been told, time and time again that it’s a lifeline for people, and we’re always looking to maximise any grants that are available.
“So, currently Salford CVS are helping us provide, free of charge food parcels for the over 65’s who joined us before the first of October, we’re also being energy efficient.”
Lucie’s pantry has been vocal on social media in appealing for donations, and they have received support from the Mayor.
Please help & support Emmaus Salford @Emmaus_Salford to support their food club (Lucy’s Pantry) members.👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 https://t.co/nTVL8lf8i3
— SalfordMayor (@salford_mayor) October 16, 2022
You can donate to the pantry here.
Recent Comments