The Vale Pantry
A social supermarket providing affordable and nutritious food to individuals and families living in North Dorset
The Vale Pantry is a social supermarket that helps families or individuals who struggle financially and who face food insecurity, based in Sturminster Newton but open to anyone living in North Dorset. We run entirely with volunteers and rely on the goodwill of the local community and businesses to fund the food we purchase each week.
Unlike a Food Bank, those who use our Pantry pay a small membership on each visit and then choose the food they would like. Our range includes a whole range of fresh meats, poultry, dairy, fresh fruit and vegetables plus shelves full of family staples. The average shop carried out tends to be worth in the region of £40 or more so is a tremendous help and an absolute life saver to so many of our families. We operate a simple to follow structure in that everything in the Pantry is either Red, Green or Free. Red items tend to be the more expensive items such as meats and each member of the Pantry can choose 2 x Red items. Green items are tins, packets etc, and members can choose any 12 items. Free items include: Fruit & Vegetables, Bread, Sanitary products, Nappies and Formula (when available).
In addition to providing food, we can help in a number of ways to help address the underlying issues of food poverty. We can signpost you to an advisor with the Citizen’s Advice Bureau within 48 hours an they will be able to help with benefits, debt, legal queries and much more. We are also able to help with a number of agencies and sign post to further help available. We urge any member to allow us to ask the CAB to check eligibility and to challenge and appeal any unsuccesful applications when previous decisions may have not been correct.
Whether the Pantry is needed for the short term to get through a crisis, or for the longer term we are pleased to help.
We are pleased to launch the ‘Pantry on Tour’ a mobile service specifically aimed at theose who are not able to come to us. We cover North Dorset, and a small part of Somerset, going into Henstridge. Where possible we really do want our members to come into our shop where you can choose everything needed, and of course, enjoy some social interaction! However, we appreciate that at times of illness, or through disability – or perhaps lack of funds in terms of fuel it may well be that coming in is difficult – so when we can – we come to you!
Sometimes we do so much more than just food!
The food is great, lots of choice, plenty of fresh fruit, veg, meats and dairy, but when we understand a little more about what is going on in your life – we may be able to offer additional help. We can offer our own dedicated Citizen’s Advisor for a one to one appointment with you. Whether you are concerned about benefits, debt, housing, forms that you need help with, legal matters or whatever – we can help. We are sometimes able to access funding streams for crisis goods needed. Our own private Member’s Facebook Site is a great place to share, swap and help each other – sometimes with ideas, sometimes with goods, – but always with plenty of banter!
Our children’s cookery workshops take place each school holiday whereby your children will cook lunch and you’ll all eat together afterwards, it’s a great opportunity to sit back and have a natter. Very often you’ll find young one’s eating a new food, trying something different – always with plenty of fun and laughter!
See what’s being said about us…
“I am writing to thank you all for your support and kindness and especially the happy welcome we all receive every shop day! This service is truly a huge help to my family.”
TS, Member of the Pantry
“You know what, I think I can fly solo now. I’ll never be able to thank “you” your wonderful volunteers and the generosity of local businesses who support your cause, enough. Thank you so very much each and every one of you.
You were there when I needed a bit of help, at a time when I was struggling to keep my business afloat and fridge full. Bright blessings to you all.”
JR Ex Member of the Pantry
“Hi Carole, just wanted to drop you a message to say a massive thank you to you and all your helpers!!! Harry loved his game and loves coming to see you in particular, he was sad he didn’t see you the last 2 visit’s!!! He was made up today and told Daddy and Nanny F that he also got a lollipop and blueberries!!”
SE Member of the Pantry
“It is hard to find the words to thank you and all at the Pantry for the continuing to get me through a very hard and stressful time. I don’t think everyone realises the Pantry is not a “foodbank” it is so much more it IS a community of caring people helping others who are down on their luck financially and mentally No matter what faith belief or religion.
It a place to get advice and help with so many social issues its where you know at least once a week you will see people who are pleased to see you and not just full of platitudes and fake smiles They go the extra mile to help the less fortunate. I just wish every town or village in the UK had one like it we would then have a much happier healthier country. I hope everyone who has visited THE PANTRY will offer up a prayer of thanks to Carol and all the superb helpers at the Pantry”
TH Member of the Pantry
You all do a great job and are very kind and caring. You have made a huge difference in our lives since we met you all, not only for food but for the friendship you have shown us. And support you have shown us. I can honestly say I look forward to coming to the pantry once a week to see you and feel surrounded by caring people.
T&SH Members of the Pantry
Thank you to the Vale Pantry and those who volunteer and donate to this amazing charity. Without you I would struggle to feed myself and my amazing children due to an ongoing personal situation. What I can tell you is that things are looking up after the help from citizens advice, who may I add that the vale pantry helped me with and I’m almost there to hopefully help out at the pantry once my children go to school full time.
LY Member of the Pantry