School Pantries Provide Essential Food Support for Families

Primary schools hosting weekly food pantries as part of a council-supported scheme have reported that the provision ensures "food on the table" for families.

North Yorkshire Council initiated the programme in 2024 to offer sustainable and affordable food, and it has expanded to include five schools.

Selby School Pantry Benefits Community

Sarah Dixon, headteacher at Selby's Barwic Parade Community Primary School, described the pantry as "an amazing resource" that helps reduce food waste and supports families facing the cost of living challenges.

"I think people were a little bit apprehensive - what's the catch? But actually the queue gets longer each week, as word spreads that this is for everybody,"

"It's such a benefit to have in the community, but I know parents rely on it.

For our families it means food on the table, food in children's bellies and a really cost-effective way to feed your family."

Just after 3pm, a line of people patiently wait by the school gate, bags in hand, reflecting Dixon's observation.

At the pantry, a bag of groceries costs £2 and includes items such as bread, vegetables, and snacks.

Council Support and Food Sources

The council assists schools with the initial pantry setup and establishes connections with food redistributors like Fareshare, which receives supplies from supermarkets, farmers, and other businesses.

"We get all sorts," Dixon said.

"We get really nice fruit and veg in, biscuits - last week we had some really nice rump steak which went down a storm."

The goal is for the pantry to become self-sufficient, with the nominal fee covering the cost of purchasing food from distributors.

Fareshare's Role in Food Redistribution

Peter Barringer, community outreach manager at Fareshare Yorkshire, explained that the charity supports 380 different projects across the region.

He noted an increase in schools participating in food redistribution over the past five to six years.

"Wherever you get areas of deprivation, or areas of poverty, something like this supports the community, and you're getting good, nutritious food,"

"We're able to intercept food that would have otherwise rotted in fields or not be used and make it have a social impact."

Fareshare's data indicates that approximately 270,000 tonnes of edible food can go to waste annually.

Schools and other groups play a vital role in minimizing food waste by delivering surplus food directly to the community.

"Across the board, the more schools, the more places that can run projects like this, the more people they're helping."

Community Engagement and Parent Experiences

When the school gates open, parents move along tables filled with various food items, filling their bags.

Parent Cheryl Scott shared her experience:

"Because there's a lot of families who don't have a lot, so to know that something like this is available for two pounds, and you can get amazing things, is really good.

[And] it's nice to know it's not all going to waste."

Frances Tasker, a grandmother of a school pupil, described the pantry as "good value for money," which is helpful for those on lower incomes.

Malton Primary Academy's Student Involvement

Malton Primary Academy involves pupils directly in the pantry by having them stock shelves and price produce.

Julie Peacock, safeguarding lead at the school, said the children are fully committed, often encouraging parents to take extra items or sharing recipe ideas.

Eleven-year-old Edward said he enjoys his role because he likes "helping people in our Malton community" and "doing deals with customers."

Ten-year-old Delilah said she especially likes "making sure everyone was happy," while Emily and Heidi, both 10, enjoy "meeting new people."

"I just love the smiles on everybody's faces," Emily added.

At the end of the school day, children assist by holding customers' bags, totaling purchases, and, in Edward's case, upselling items.

The school collaborates with Ryedale Food Aid, a local charity providing food and household essentials to nearby causes, to source supplies.

"Our parents, families and community have really welcomed it," Peacock said.

"It's just another help, we know it doesn't solve the food problems our families [can] struggle with but it's there - it's open five days a week, so any parent can access it."

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