Increasing Demand at Community Pantry
A community hub reports a steady increase in the number of people using its pantry, citing families struggling to manage amid rising living costs.
All Pulling Together, located in Stonehouse, operates as a community interest company primarily staffed by volunteers. The organisation aims to support the local community through various initiatives, including providing access to affordable food supplies.
Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has contributed to higher oil and gas prices, which in turn have increased transportation, fertiliser, and food production costs.
Impact on Local Families
Jackie Edwards, chair of the group, expressed concern about the financial pressures facing families.
"I think it's scary for younger families, they've never been in this situation before,"she said.
Edwards noted that the number of people relying on the food pantry continues to rise each month, with between 300 and 400 individuals currently using the service monthly.
"I think we're seeing a lot more of them come to us because they don't know how to cope,"Edwards added.
Personal Stories from Pantry Users
Wendy, a pantry user, shared her experience with the increasing cost of living. She cares for her ill wife at home, which has required her to reduce her working hours.
"We're kind of on the breadline now. Luckily, my wife has a Motability car, so that saves on insurance, but we still have to put petrol in, and we're backwards and forwards to the hospital,"Wendy explained, highlighting fuel prices as a particular concern.
Mark, another pantry user, described his financial situation as dire after paying rent.
"With the war going on it's going to get worse… everything goes up in prices, nothing comes down,"he said.
Chloe, a single mother who also depends on the pantry, reported that rising prices have exacerbated her anxiety. She expressed gratitude for the volunteers' support at the hub.
"I'm grateful for the kindness"Chloe stated.
Additional Community Support
Beyond operating the community pantry, All Pulling Together assists individuals in finding employment, organises activities such as craft groups and book clubs, and supports children who are not currently in school to re-engage with education.
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