In the heart of East Cowes, a dedicated team at the charity Community Spirited is making a profound difference to the lives of Isle of Wight residents.
Launched in August 2007 by Jane Allchorn, Community Spirited has grown steadily, providing a range of services, which include home care, shopping assistance, home-cooked meals and even a cafe.
At its core, however, lies a mission to tackle food poverty and combat loneliness, particularly through its community pantry, which has become a lifeline for many.
“A lifeline for families”
The community pantry, which opened two years ago, currently supports around 460 members, with an average of 70 people using the service each week to ‘top-up’ on their weekly shop.
The pantry offers a variety of food items, from fresh vegetables and meats to pantry staples like pasta, rice and tinned goods.
It also features a red shelf with ‘top branded products’ such as Tetley Tea, Nestle Shreddies and Heinz Soup.
Notably, the pantry aims to provide members with ingredients that allow them to cook healthy, home-cooked meals, which many users find invaluable.
The charity spends around £500 weekly to feed 70 members, propped up by donations and kind offerings from local supermarkets.
“I would be lost without it”
The County Press visited Community Spirited, where one pantry user shared how the service has been essential in managing her and her partner’s debt, allowing them to have some financial breathing room at the end of the month.
She praised the welcoming atmosphere, noting that the pantry’s staff are “so friendly, polite and professional.”
The service even opens half an hour early for those who struggle with anxiety, which helped her gain the confidence to visit at regular hours.
The pantry user said: “I would be lost without it. If you are having a bad day, they can help. It's great that I can speak to them.”
She said that the pantry has “most definitely” alleviated some of the problems she has been facing, adding that “the food they offer at the pantry allows you to make your own homecooked food.”
Another member, whose son has dietary requirements, highlighted that getting food from the pantry allows her to buy food for her son from the supermarket.
She expressed her gratitude for being able to afford the necessary food for her son’s diet, thanks to the savings the pantry allows.
Community Spirited even provided her with a soup maker, enabling her to prepare meals that meet her son’s dietary restrictions.
The majority of people who are members live in East Cowes, but the pantry also supports members Island-wide in areas including Bembridge, Apse Heath and Arreton.
(The photo above was taken during restock after a busy Tuesday morning!)
“Beyond food support”
While food support is a critical aspect of Community Spirited’s work, it’s far from the only service they offer.
As Keith Kite, a pantry worker, explained: “We’re not just providing members with top-up food support, but also emotional help,” offering a welcoming and non-judgmental space for those who visit.
The charity also works to tackle “communication poverty.”
“Kindness and friendliness are almost as important as the items people leave with,” Keith added.
Sally Faulkner, the volunteer coordinator, spends much of her time not only organising the pantry’s operations but also helping members secure grants and navigate other support systems.
She emphasised that poverty often affects those who do not qualify for benefits – the working individuals who struggle the most.
Private renting issues are a significant concern among members, with rising rents exacerbating their financial difficulties.
The majority of pantry users are women aged 25 to 45, with children, struggling to stretch their money from week to week.
Keith said that for every young man who attends, the pantry sees a dozen young women.
“We want to break through the stigma for men who feel they have failed their families by asking for help.”
(The photo above was taken during restock after a busy Tuesday morning!)
Useful information to know about Community Spirited:
- Anyone can use Community Spirited's pantry to top up their supermarket shop.
- You do not need to be on benefits to go to a pantry, you just need to become a member.
- Join up and for £5 a week, pantry members receive over £15 worth of fresh, frozen, tinned and dry food to top up their supermarket shop.
- You don't need to live in East Cowes
- There is usually a range of food to suit different dietary needs or you can talk to staff about what you need.
- The community pantry is a friendly places and you can often pick up other useful information when you are there.
“Volunteers: The heart of Community Spirited”
Community Spirited thrives thanks to its dedicated team of volunteers, many of whom are retired professionals from various fields, including psychologists, doctors and prison officers.
These volunteers play a crucial role in ensuring the pantry runs smoothly, often spending around five minutes with each member – a time they hope to extend to provide even more personalised support.
However, Keith expressed concern that if “even half” the pantry’s members decided to shop one week, the charity might struggle to keep up with demand, adding that volunteers “live in fear” of such an occasion.
“A bright future with continued support”
Despite the challenges, Community Spirited remains steadfast in its mission to support the Island community.
With a focus on kindness, compassion, and practicality, the charity has become an essential resource for many.
New members do not need to “come in under any category or tick any box” to join and receive support.
The pantry’s open-door policy ensures that anyone in need can access support, regardless of their circumstances, making a meaningful difference in the lives of hundreds of families.
As they continue to grow, the support of the wider community – through donations, volunteering, and participation – is becoming increasingly crucial in sustaining this vital service.
For many on the Isle of Wight, Community Spirited is not just a charity; it’s a beacon of hope in challenging times.
Community Spirited’s pantry is open on Tuesday afternoons and Wednesday and Thursday mornings.
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