Community pantry
•
Café
•
Warm space
•
Support
More than food. A welcoming place for our community.
We provide surplus and subsidied food through a points-based system, alongside a warm space, a chatty café and practical advice for people in Old Sarum and Longhedge.
1215
Registered members
522
Children
28
Nationalities supported
35%+
Households include
someone with a disability
How it works
Using the community pantry
A simple three-step explanation for someone visiting for the first time.
01
Become a member
The pantry supports local people who are finding it difficult to make their household budget work.
02
Choose your food
Members choose from surplus and subsidised food using a points-based system.
03
Stay and connect
Enjoy a warm drink and a chat, join an activity, or speak with one of the organisations offering advice.
What we offer
Food, warmth and practical support
The pantry has grown into a welcoming community hub - not simply a place to collect food.
Community pantry
The pantry supports local people who are finding it difficult to make their household budget work.
Warm space and café
A friendly place to enjoy something warm, have a coffee and chat with other people.
Families & activities
Holiday activities, food for children and opportunities such as cooking lessons and community projects.
Advice & support
Connections to advice about money, debt, energy, disability, family matters, health and wellbeing.
Who we support
For people who are just about managing
Many members are working families who do not meet the threshold for other support, including NHS staff, teachers, social workers, and military households.
The pantry also offers a warm, sociable space for pensioners, parents who cannot afford to heat their homes, people experiencing loneliness, and anyone who needs a safe place to talk.
No one should just have to survive. They should be able to live without fear of how the bills will be covered each month.
Our story
From a kitchen collection to a community hub
At the beginning of Covid, Gemma began collecting food for local people who could not get out, including those who were medically high-risk, disabled or parenting alone. With help from Abri Homes, local companies and Penny Harvey, donations soon filled Gemma's home and supported residents across Old Sarum and Longhedge. In May 2023, Nina - manager of Old Sarum Community Centre - suggested bringing the project into the centre and making it a wider community hub. Volunteers shared ideas, the pantry opened, and it has grown since into a place for food, warmth, friendship, activities and practical support.
Advice at the pantry
Support services
Acorn Community Bank
Community Money Advice
Disability interest group of Salisbury (DIGS)
National Energy Advice
Woman's Refuge
School Nurse
Spurgeons Wiltshire Family Hub
Get involved
Help keep the pantry here for local people
The pantry relies on grants, donations, volunteers and the money members pay for food.
01 / Donate
Support the pantry
Your support helps the pantry provide affordable food and remain a welcoming community space.
02 / Volunteer
Share your time or skills
Roles include displaying and collecting food, setting up, packing down, cleaning, serving tea and coffee, and helping with membership administration.
With thanks
Supporters and donors
Visit or contact us
Find the pantry
Old Sarum Community Centre
Pheasant Drive
Old Sarum
SP4 6GH
Opening times
8:30 PM - 9:00 PM Tuesday
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM Wednesday
Donate
Frequently asked questions
Useful answers before a first visit
Who can join the pantry?
Anyone can join. We have no criteria. Whether you want to join because you don’t like food waste or you are struggling to make ends meet, we are here for everyone.
Do I need a referral?
No you do not need a referral.
How much does membership cost?
Our cost is £2.00 for a year's membership.
How does the points system work?
You can buy 15 points for £7.00 or 10 points for £5.50
1 point equates to a tin of beans and 3 points equates to a whole chicken.
Fruit, vegetables and bread are always free.
Can I bring my children?
Yes absolutely - we are here for everyone.
What food and dietary options are available?
We try to cater for all dietary requirements. We have fresh meat, cheese, eggs etc. Frozen meals, meat, pizzas etc. Our store cupboard contains cereal, pasta sauces, noodles, rice, pasta, tinned tuna, tinned vegetables, tinned soup etc.