Food pantry sees fivefold increase in demand amid cost-of-living crisis

A food pantry in Longley said they have seen a “500% increase” in demand for food parcels since its launch in 2020, due to the ongoing cost of living crisis.

L4G Food Pantry, which opens its doors to residents from 11am to 1pm every Wednesday at Longley Four Greens Community Centre, is run by volunteers and currently serves more than 130 members.

Instead of receiving vouchers from social workers to collect free food at traditional food banks, users with financial hardship pay for membership and contribute each time they visit to select from a wide variety of food and products.

Penny Thompson, the development coordinator at the community centre, said more people struggling to decide whether to turn on the heater or feed their children as winter comes because they cannot afford both.

In addition to food parcels, the community centre also offers employment support, welfare coaches and route to housing grants. It also connects people living in the neighbourhood with social prescribing link workers.

Mandy Williamson used to be a recipient of food but now volunteers with the operation of the food pantry.

L4G Food Pantry partners with Sheffield City Council and large supermarket chains, including Tesco, Asda and Co-op, to secure food donation and resources.

It is also looking to take advantage of the greenery in the area to grow fresh vegetables and expand its community cafe to offer hot meals at reasonable prices to the community in the future.

You can learn more about L4G Food Pantry at: https://www.longley4g.org.uk/what-we-can-offer