The Hastings Pantry

Hastings Food Hub and Pantry

The ability of local families to adequately feed themselves was the priority concern at a recent meeting of 15 local community organisations.  The Hastings Food Hub network are dynamic in their efforts to ensure that individuals and families on low incomes are able to access all household essentials that many of us take for granted. 

Discussion relating to parents watering down infant formula to make it last longer were interspersed with stories of workers buying emergency bags of essentials for their clients, as some local residents are struggling to make ends meet. The school holidays are also an issue with parent’s missing meals in order to ensure there is enough food for their children who, during term time, would be receiving free school meals.

Working people are now part of the regular faces visiting food banks and projects such as The Hastings Pantry, a new project situated in the town centre operating a membership scheme for people to receive 10 items of food and household essentials together with fruit and veg for a £2.50 per weekly visit.

Food donations are needed more than ever for Dom’s Food Mission and the other food re-distribution projects and food banks. Women’s sanitary items and baby products are also ideal if you are considering purchasing a non-food item for any of the supermarket donation boxes.

Recognising that food poverty is intrinsically linked to debt, health and wider social concerns, The Hastings Food Hub network and The Hastings Pantry are aiming to add support into the project, offering a cup of tea and information to help individuals reduce the very real challenges they are facing.

For more information about The Hastings Food Hub network or The Hastings Pantry, contact Debby on deb173@hotmail.com  or via her mobile: 07513 234 307.

The Hastings Pantry is located on Middle Street. Hastings.  Currently open Friday afternoons 12.00 – 3.30pm. Local charity etc Sussex operates the Hastings Pantry with support from Relief, Sussex Community Foundation, Hastings & St. Leonards Food Project and Awards for All. With thanks to funding from the Big Lottery Fund.
 
For information on etc Sussex visit www.etcsussex.weebly.com

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