VOLUNTEERS at an award-winning community pantry have thanked donors for supporting the good work they do in their local area.

Founder of the Old Sarum & Longhedge Community Pantry Gemma Phillips was joined by long-time volunteer and chair of New Sarum WI Sue Luther as they attended the Young Farmers Evensong at Salisbury Cathedral at the end of September.

The service brought together farmers from Salisbury, Purton, Cricklade, Malmesbury, Devizes, and Chippenham, and several donations were made to support the pantry.

Gemma said: “We are so grateful for this wonderful donation of fresh produce and pantry items, which are all very much needed at the moment.

“This will help so many families. It was a lovely service to have been a part of—we were delighted to be invited.”

The following week, the team visited Amesbury CE Primary School, where pupils had collected items for the pantry.

The children’s posters read, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart” — a message that resonated with the team.

Later in the week the team were surprised to receive a £1,000 donation from J M O’Toole LTD based in Corsham, followed by more donations from Chafyn Grove School and St Nicholas C of E Primary School.

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The pantry has gone from strength to strength after local hero Gemma first set it up to support neighbours during the Covid pandemic.

Some of the food that has recently been donated to the pantry Picture: Old Sarum and Longhedge Pantry

It was awarded the Parker Bullen’ prize for best Community Project Award at the Salisbury Radio Local Hero Awards back in September.

The award is the culmination of years of hard work by volunteers, who were led by Gemma during 2019 as she made sure people on her local estate had access to food if they were isolating, or unable to travel or struggling to meet the rising cost of living

Housing Association Abri recognised the need to root the support Gemma was offering at the heart of the local community – and with the help of the Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, Southern Area Board and organisations such as Hope Church and members of New Sarum Women’s Institute, the journey from offering food outside Gemma’s house to a regular offer at the local community centre began.

The community fridge soon transformed into the community pantry, a move that took place after the then centre manager Nina Cope came on board to help develop the project into what it is today.

Nina now shares the role of pantry manager with Gemma, and together they’ve helped turn an idea into a vital local service.

As word spread and more donations came in, the team trialled extra projects, like the Good Grub Club, and explored different models to meet growing demand.

The poster by schoolchildren asking people to donate Picture: Old Sarum and Longhedge Pantry

Partnerships were formed, ideas were shared—but at the core of everything was a clear and unwavering purpose: to ensure no one in the community goes hungry, that food waste is put to good use, and that people come together to support each other through the ever-changing challenges of the rising cost of living.

A pantry spokesperson said: “Over time, some of the original volunteers moved on, but new people continue to step forward. The pantry is, and always has been, a community-powered effort.

“Running this project hasn’t been easy. Both Nina and Gemma are working mums, balancing family life with the demands of managing the pantry—a challenge shared by many in similar community projects.

“Their commitment reflects the resilience and generosity at the heart of this work.“

New to the pantry this year is an extra Friday session alongside the usual Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning openings.

But while it was well-received by the community, the funding just wasn’t there to keep it going.

A spokesperson added: “With continued local support, shared knowledge from similar initiatives like the pantry in Salisbury, and the dedication of an amazing volunteer team, there’s every reason to believe in what’s next.”

And now, a new volunteer focused on securing funding—an essential step in supporting the growing demand for their services has joined the team.

Nina Cope said: “We’re excited about the opportunities this brings as we continue to serve our community”.

How to get involved:

• Donate food or essential items – every contribution makes a difference
• Volunteer time – from sorting items to helping during opening hours
• Fundraise or offer financial support – enable the pantry to keep shelves stocked and services running
• Spread the word – Share the mission within the community.

People can also donate to the pantry’s Just Giving campaign here, our support them by purchasing something from their Amazon wish list.

The pantry, found at the Old Sarum & Longhedge Community Centre on Pheasant Drive, is open 8.30pm to 9pm on Tuesdays and 9am to 12pm on Wednesdays.

The annual membership is £2.