More Than Food: Building Community Connections
Community pantries are not just about affordable groceries. They are about building relationships.
When residents come along to community panties, they are welcomed into a friendly, supportive space where they can:
- Meet neighbours and reduce isolation
- Build trust with staff and volunteers
- Learn about other support services available locally
Through these connections, we can help direct people to wider support — whether it’s debt advice, housing help, energy-saving schemes, or wellbeing services. The pantry acts as a gateway, ensuring that people don’t just leave with food, but with knowledge and connections that can help them long-term.
ERFPA currently support 15 different food banks, community pantries and social supermarkets across the East Riding:
New Pastures Lane Community Centre
The People’s Pantry Market Weighton and Pocklington
St Augustine’s Pantry
Easington Pantry
Why It Matters
In the UK, millions of people face food insecurity each year. For many, this means having to skip meals, cut back on fresh food, or worry about how to feed their family from week to week. Community pantries are designed to bridge that gap by offering low-cost access to surplus food and essentials, creating breathing room in family budgets.
Reducing financial strain — Affordable food gives families more room in their budgets.
Cutting food waste — Good food that might otherwise go to waste is put to use.
Stronger communities — Pantries create spaces where residents feel supported and connected.
Free support for those at crisis point
ERFPA also support several emergency food bank services across the East Riding, which provide food to residents who are unable to afford the pantry membership fees. These include:
Aldbrough Food Bank