Old Sarum & Longhedge Community Pantry Needs Help to Support the Community

Wednesday, 15 October 2025 06:00

In September, The Old Sarum and Longhedge Community Pantry was awarded the “Parker Bullen’ prize for best Community Project Award at the Salisbury Radio Local Hero Awards, but they need the support of the community to continue their work.

This award is a testament to the support, volunteer hours and sheer determination of a large number of local people in response to a need identified by local hero Gemma Phillips, who, during Covid, was making sure that people on her local estate had access to food if they were isolating, or unable to travel or struggling to meet the rising cost of living.

Housing Association ‘Abri’ recognised the need to support Gemma and what she was offering at the heart of the local Community and with the help of the Laverstock & Ford Parish Council, Southern Area Board and organisations such as Hope Church and members of New Sarum WI, the journey from offering food outside Gemma’s house to a regular offer at the Local Community Centre began.

What began as a simple Community Fridge has grown into something far greater: The Community Pantry.

The shift began when Nina Cope, then Centre Manager, joined and helped develop the project into its current form. Nina now shares the role of Pantry Manager with Gemma, and together they’ve helped turn an idea into a vital local service.

As word spread and more donations came in, the team trialled extra projects, like the Good Grub Club, and explored different models to meet growing demand. Partnerships were formed, ideas were shared—but at the core of everything was a clear and unwavering purpose:

To ensure no one in the community goes hungry, that food waste is put to good use, and that people come together to support each other through the ever-changing challenges of the rising cost of living.

Over time, some of the original volunteers moved on, but new people continue to step forward. The Pantry is, and always has been, a community-powered effort.

Running this project hasn’t been easy. Both Nina and Gemma are working mums, balancing family life with the demands of managing the Pantry—a challenge shared by many in similar community projects. Their commitment reflects the resilience and generosity at the heart of this work.

This year, the team trialled an extra Friday session alongside the usual Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning openings.

While it was well-received by the community, the funding just wasn’t there to keep it going. With continued local support, shared knowledge from similar initiatives like The Pantry in Salisbury, and the dedication of a fantastic volunteer team, there’s every reason to believe in what’s next.

The Pantry is thrilled to welcome a new volunteer focused on securing funding—an essential step in supporting the growing demand for their services. Nina Cope states, “We’re excited about the opportunities this brings as we continue to serve our community”.

At the end of September, Gemma and long-time volunteer Sue Luther—who also serves as Chair of New Sarum WI—attended the Young Farmers Evensong at Salisbury Cathedral. The service brought together farmers from Salisbury, Purton, Cricklade, Malmesbury, Devizes, and Chippenham. Gemma shared: “We are so grateful for this wonderful donation of fresh produce and pantry items, which are all very much needed at the moment. This will help so many families. It was a lovely service to have been a part of—we were delighted to be invited.”

The following week, the team visited Amesbury CE Primary School, where pupils had collected items for The Pantry. The children’s posters read, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart”—a message that truly resonated with the team.

Gemma, Nina, and the whole Pantry crew remain humbled by the ongoing generosity and are undaunted by the challenges ahead.

Later in the week, the team were surprised to receive a £1000 donation from J M O’Toole LTD based in Corsham. They had seen their story and the need for support and decided to donate to such a worthy cause. Followed by more donations from Chafyn Grove School and St Nicholas C of E Primary School.

Now more than ever, the team of volunteers need your support to continue their work.

Here’s how you can get involved: