By Isle of Wight Observer
By A & S Whitewood
Newport Pantry, based in Newport Congregational Church, celebrated its second anniversary on Wednesday.
Held weekly, The Newport Pantry is run by manager, Leanne, and her assistant, Zoe, with help from 10 regular volunteers. Around 10,000 transactions have taken place over the two years.
Donations are always welcome but the majority of food is bought on a wholesale basis from Morrisons.
Each week up to 100 people turn up, spread over two 2-hour time slots. Attendees pay £5 per visit and can choose around £15 worth of food, but registration on the initial visit is necessary.
Over the two years of the scheme the government has paid in almost £250,000, with the administration of the scheme carried out by the IW Council.
On Wednesday, Rev’d Mark Evans, from Newport Congregational Church, praised the sterling efforts of the dedicated band of volunteers who keep the pantry running. He also thanked the Wight Aid Foundation for their valuable funding, which helps the pantry provide physical food as well as spiritual food. Looking to the future, he said they hope to extend their current kitchen.
Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon, and IW High Sheriff, Jacque Gazzard, were special guests. Mrs Sheldon mentioned that she goes to some wonderful places on the Island, but this was her first visit to the pantry. She said the team did an amazing job undertaken with a friendly approach.
Meanwhile, Jacque Gazzard, said it was an excellent example of a local community relationship, particularly with Morrisons supermarket.
To mark the anniversary, refreshments were provided by SNG Housing, along with a celebration cake made by one of the pantry volunteers.
