Read some of the case studies for the Community Pantry scheme below.
Pantry Member A: Member A worked as a painter and decorator on the south coast and lived with a partner, but when Member A’s latest contract ended, so did their relationship. The Community Pantry team met Member A after they had hitch-hiked back up to Warwickshire, hoping to stay with some friends and ‘sofa surf’ whilst they rebuilt their life.
Following support through the Camp Hill Community Pantry, Member A was able to rely on the food support provided whilst working with Citizens Advice at the Pantry to secure some emergency accommodation and receive help applying for Universal credit. Thanks to this support, Member A is no longer homeless and has been able to secure employment in Warwickshire as a labourer which has improved their mental health.
Pantry Member B: As a mum of three children, including a disabled child, Pantry Member B is on multiple types of benefits including Universal Credit and carers allowance. Due to increases in cost of living and personal financial struggles, Member B self-referred to the Camp Hill Community Pantry after hearing about it from a friend.
At the Community Pantry, Member B could sit and have a coffee with staff and other Pantry members to talk in a safe space about their struggles. This became an uplifting part of their day, and Member B could bring their children along to get involved in the weekly shop to help choose the food. The Pantry provides Member B with food security and improves their mental health by lessening the strain on their financial resources, whilst Member B’s children can enjoy happily interacting with staff and playing with the toys available.
Pantry Member C: A single dad of two young sons, aged just two and three years old, Pantry Member C was already a regular pantry user for food support, however The Community Pantry team also identified that he would benefit from additional support through the County Council’s Family Information Service (FIS). The Community Pantry team helped Pantry Member C to arrange an appointment with FIS, who could discuss Pantry Member C’s needs in more detail. Pantry Member C now has access to online parenting courses, has been signposted to the Family Support phone line, and has received support to search for suitable childcare for his children as and when he needs it.
Pantry Member D: Pantry Member D was getting by on a state pension until the recent cost-of-living and energy prices increases changed her circumstances and tipped her into food and energy poverty. She came to the pantry feeling embarrassed and quite depressed that after all these years she could not financially support herself.
The Community Pantry provided Pantry Member D with the dignity to shop at affordable food costs, and the team provided her with access to a Citizens Advice advisor who was able to help Pantry Member D with some of the ongoing issues she was experiencing. Now Pantry Member D enjoys the food and energy security that the pantry provides, as well as catching up fellow pantry members which is having a positive effect on her mental health.
Pantry Member E: Pantry Member E became a member of the pantry due to poor health stemming from an untreated condition. This led to other health issues, causing her to be unable to work, and meant she found herself on Universal Credit. She came to the pantry as she was struggling with adapting to her new circumstances.
In just a few months, Pantry Member E's personal progress was remarkable. She started interacting with the other members, regaining lost confidence, opening up more about her circumstances, and this led to her becoming a pantry volunteer and discovering a new sense of purpose. Pantry Member E credits the pantry for creating an environment where she could feel empowered to achieve anything with the right support.
Pantry Member F: Following a partner's passing, Pantry Member F was feeling overwhelmed and struggling to address a range of financial challenges. Seeking help from the pantry, Pantry Member F was referred to Citizens Advice for budgeting advice and to resolve issues with a utility company and Bailiffs. The pantry team were also able to support by making phone calls on behalf of the Member and offering emotional support. Pantry Member F has since described the pantry as a life saver, and now has the right payment plans agreed with debtors. Pantry Member F felt supported whilst dealing with this situation and is confident now to ask for more help in the future if they need it.
Pantry Member G: Pantry Member G enquired about becoming a member as her partner was being tested for autism and ADHD and due to this, she had become his carer. This role was taking its toll on her mental health and meant she was unable to work and felt isolated from others. The pantry registered them both as members and referred Pantry Member G to Citizens Advice, who helped get her partner’s Personal Independence Payment (PIP) application filled out and submitted. Since receiving this support, both of them have been able to claim PIP as well as Carers allowance, gaining a boost in confidence by increasing their financial stability and being able to connect with new people at the pantry.