St Helens was introduced to a different method of serving the community through food pantries in March this year, with the project already a success in many communities.
Funding was secured to launch the mobile pantry, with visits to currently allocated sites on a weekly basis.
What is a mobile food pantry?
Unlike other static pantries in St Helens, the mobile food pantry is able to move around the county and be placed in different communities via a repurposed van.
This allows the service to access more areas and support more residents.
How does it work?
Once parked at a location, baskets of cheap produce, canned foods, and other essentials are placed on site rather than prepackaged; giving residents the freedom to pick and choose what they would like to take home.
To allow space and privacy to browse the items, the service operates a ‘two-at-a-time’ system, with those waiting to shop able to sit in one of the hubs where the van is parked outside for a cup of tea . a conversation, even a blood pressure check.
When they arrive in the country, service users will have to register within the centre, without asking questions about their financial and employment status and the reason for their visit.
Do I have to reach a certain threshold to access the service?
No, there is no threshold to meet, meaning anyone of any financial and employment status can enter the service.
Where does the mobile food pantry go?
Mobile St Helens Community Food House currently visits the following locations from 10.30am to 12.30pm each week:
Great local community center Wargrave – on Mondays
Sutton Children’s Centre – Tuesday
Farm Park Community Center – on Thursdays
How can I contact?
For more information on St Helens Mobile Community Food Pantry and its services, visit https://sthelensmobilepantry.org.uk/.
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