In a bid to support residents facing financial challenges, local housing associations, we have joined forces with Hyde and other providers to open a new food pantry in Islington.
Over 60 people gathered along with The Mayor of Islington, to cut the ribbon on Wednesday, 28 February. The pantry will offer residents who may be struggling financially, low-cost, healthy food, along with personal face to face support.
The Islington pantry is located on North Road, next to the Hillside Clubhouse. Only the second of its kind in the borough, the pantry will offer a range of high quality and sustainable food for residents struggling with the cost of living.
Membership costs £3.50 a week for around £30 worth of food. A pantry coordinator will also be on hand to help shoppers with advice and support.
We co-funded the pantry in partnership with Hyde and was made possible by social value work provided by construction firm, Chas Berger.
Brittany Johnsen, Community Partnerships and Projects Manager at Southern Housing said: “The reality is that affordable, nutritious food is simply not accessible in the area. We’re pleased to be able to make a difference to our residents through providing a service that combines an affordable food provision with a whole range of opportunities.
“There’s also the chance for residents to meet new people and tap into the support on offer. I want to thank all the local councillors, Mayor of Islington and all of the partners involved. We wouldn’t’ be able to make this happen without you.
Maddassar Arif, Hyde’s Partnership and Project Manager said: “We’ve been working with Southern Housing on this idea for a while – with the aim of the pantry to tackle the existing level of food poverty and prevent it increasing further for people in need. We wanted to create an opportunity for local residents to have easy access to affordable, fresh food in a non-judgemental way, so they can enjoy the dignity of choosing their own shopping and then putting together a healthy meal.”
The pantry will be run by St Giles Trust. Housed within the Hillside Clubhouse a mental health charity members will also have the opportunity to access their range of programmes, from cooking courses to employment support.
The food at the pantry will be provided by The Felix Project, who will deliver fresh produce on a weekly basis.
Danny Chapman, Director of London Services, St Giles said: “We’re delighted to be operating this new pantry in the heart of Islington. We’re not only offering food support, but helping people by offering expert advice and support. Our pantry will help build stronger, more integrated communities.”
Anna Di Mascio, Director of Operations at Hillside Clubhouse, said: “It’s been great to have everyone involved working together to create this space. The feedback about the pantry has been great and our members are so happy and proud. Residents feel really supported in such a friendly environment. This was really needed in the area.”
The food pantry can be found at Hillside Clubhouse, 30 North Road, N7 9GJ. It’s open three days a week, Tuesday to Thursday. Membership is open to any local Southern Housing and Hyde Housing residents, and members of Hillside mental health charity. Shoppers are entitled to one visit a week to the pantry.
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