The Gorebridge Community Pantry opened on the 28th of June 2023. We are so blown away that over 450 households have become members. The current opening time or the pantry is Tuesday 4pm – 6pm. As well as collections of food that are unsold or surplus from local businesses and FairShare GO, your pantry members fee will ensure the Pantry is topped up each week.
How does it work?
The Pantry is open to all households/residents of EH23, anyone who lives in this Post Code area can apply to become members of the Pantry and ‘shop’ there once a week. Membership is free, and weekly ‘shop’ costs £3.50 which is put back into buying stock into the Pantry the following week. Each member receives 10 credits for £3.50, and these credits can be used to ‘spend’ on fresh, ambient or store-cupboard ingredients. If available, free bread will be offered, and volunteers will make each member a bag of fresh fruit and veggies.
When is it open?
Tuesday’s 4 – 6PM.
Where?
Gorebridge Beacon, Hunterfield Road, Gorebridge, EH23 4TT (that big class building next to the church and in front of the leisure centre).
Donate
Would you like to donate to the Gorebridge Community Pantry? Please click here.
Who is it for?
Everyone in EH23. One application per household. Community Pantries are popping up all over, in fact they have been around globally for a while. Community Pantries are unique in that they are accessible to everyone, membership is free, they are perfectly placed to reduce the cost of food bills, stopping food too good to waste reaching landfill, and offer our community volunteering opportunities and a chance to come together.
Signing Up
Since opening on June 28th we have over 450 households signed up. That’s amazing. You can sign up at any Pantry opening time, or pop into the Beacon and ask for a membership form. The Community Pantry is first-come, first-served, however as each member has 10 credits to ‘spend’ there is a fair distribution of food. Many people have told us that the £3.50 is worth it for the veggies and fruit.
What food is available at the Pantry?
It varies from week to week. As we order from Fairshare, and receive donations, and top up we can’t guarantee the same produce each week. We will have fresh fruit and veggies, bakery items, store cupboard/cooking essentials. Often we have toiletries and cleaning items. Pantry volunteers will be able to share with you how to cook items if you aren’t sure.
Who runs the Gorebridge Community Pantry
Gorebridge Community Development Trust runs the Pantry at Beacon. There is an amazing group of volunteers who keep stock up to date, shop, sort, set up, display, serve members and make the pantry a wonderful community event each week.
In order to sustain the Pantry we will be seeking further funding, organising fundraisers, and all weekly shop fees go back into sustaining. If you would like to volunteer (admin, in the Pantry, setting up), have a fundraising idea please do get in touch here.
Want to support the Pantry but you don’t need to shop weekly?
Do you mean you want to donate to the Pantry? That would be so amazing. Pop into the Beacon and speak to a member of staff, or contact us here.
Are there any other Community Pantries in Midlothian?
Yes, please visit Midlothian Councils website here.
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