A SOCIAL supermarket that helps Salisbury people access low-cost food has a host of new donation points.

People can now help the Salisbury Pantry by dropping off food at more locations across the city.

Run by the Salisbury City Council Communities Team, the pantry has two part-time managers and a team of volunteers.

The council said it was created as a ‘sustainable way to take action on food poverty’ and has been supported by the likes of Tesco Extra, Waitrose, Nicholas and Harris and Tesco Express, as well as groups and organisations like Radio Odstock, Harnham Harvest Table and The F3 growing project, which grows food for the pantry shop.

Now, the pantry has announced a host of donation points across the city.

Liz Edwards, one of the pantry managers, said: “It has been a pleasure going out and meeting people from all these businesses, people are so willing to help.”

Where can you donate to the Salisbury Pantry?
* Salisbury Pantry – 59 Catherine Street, SP1 2DH. Mondays 10am – 2pm, Tuesdays 3pm – 4pm, Wednesday 10am – 12.30pm
* Bemerton Heath Centre – Pinewood Way, Bemerton Heath, SP2 9HU– Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm,
* Castle Road Co-op – 74 Castle Rd, Salisbury SP1 3RR
* Wilton One-Stop – North St, Wilton, Salisbury SP2 0HA
* Rowlands Pharmacy – Toiletries and Sanitary Products only – Donations Taken Over the Counter – Pembroke Rd, Salisbury SP2 9DJ
* Charlie’s Store – 18 Catherine St, Salisbury SP1 2DA
* Shopmobility – 3B Priory Square, Salisbury SP2 7TL
* Salisbury Manor Care Home Reception – Shapland Close, Salisbury, SP2 7EJ

Salisbury Pantry, in Catherine Street

There are also new donation points at Bishop Wordsworth School, organised by their sixth form for parents, staff and students, as well as at Salisbury Mosque for members of the Mosque’s community to donate. Most recently, Cookshop in Salisbury became the newest donor.

Angela Brenchly, also a Salisbury Pantry manager, added: “Having the local business community come together to support the Salisbury Pantry is amazing.

“We have applications for new memberships every week during this cost-of-living crisis. Without this support we cannot run our service.”

Cllr Victoria Charleston, a leader at the city council, said: “The Salisbury Pantry is a fantastic example of the generous spirit of Salisbury: our city council staff, our volunteers, and our partners working together to support families in our community.”

The latest impact report from the pantry, released this month, features research from across the country.

The average pantry member saves £21 per week on their food bill, the report said, adding up to more than £1,000 a year.

Feedback also showed ‘most pantry members report improved household finances, better physical and mental health, new friendships and a strengthened community’.

The Salisbury Pantry has 350 active member households, with 951 family members, and provides around 420 shops per month to those in need.

Shops, organisations or workplaces that would like to be part of the Salisbury Network by collecting or hosting a donation point can get in touch via salisburypantry@salisburycitycouncil.gov.uk, or by dropping in to any drop-off point with a tin, box or packet of food.