Old Sarum & Longhedge Community Pantry is an award-winning food waste project, run by community volunteers, that supports over 400 households. Having recently posted a notice on Facebook asking for donations via an Amazon Wishlist, they were overwhelmed with support and received over 1000 donations from the community.
Many who use the pantry are hardworking families, e.g. NHS staff, teachers, social workers, and military households, who don’t meet the threshold for other support but are still struggling to make ends meet. Under 25% of those are unemployed and 11% are pensioners.
Their ethos is that ‘no one should just survive': everyone deserves to live without constant fear of bills.
Over time, it has become a space that caters to a range of different needs: where pensioners can share a coffee and chat without worrying about cost, a warm space for parents who can’t afford heating, offering activities for children during the holidays, providing mental health support for those struggling, and acting as a resource centre giving advice on debt, energy saving, family matters, cooking lessons, and more.
They said:
"We cannot believe the overwhelming response from the public it makes such a huge difference. So a huge thank you to everyone who donated, shared our post or dropped items in.
"People want to help just haven’t got time to drop things in or go out of their way to grab us a few bits so this completely changes that. Most people have Amazon so it doesn’t cost them anymore, gets delivered straight to us and they know they’ve helped.
"A lot of the essential items on the wishlist are very similar in price to the supermarket which is great. 1 tub of gravy granules at 70p or a £30 shop it all makes a difference and again shows working together we have a bigger impact. Makes me super proud to be a Salisbury resident."
Upon arriving at the Old Sarum Community Centre, you will be greeted by volunteers on the welcome desk. If you are not a member, you will be required to complete a membership form.
Different food items are equal to 1, 2, or 3 points and you can choose between 10 points = £4.50 or 15 points = £6.00. It is bring your own bag and they also have some free food items.
You can browse the food choices and once you have your shopping you can then pay the team member on duty.
On your initial visit you will need to pay for the £1 membership fee. This fee will be used to cover administration fees and you will be provided a membership card on your next visit.
The centre encourages people to come as regularly as they wish, but it is limited to one shop a week. You do not need to use the pantry every time you attend and can just go along for a chat.
Old Sarum & Longhedge Community Pantry won Salisbury Radio's Project of the Year awards at our 2025 awards ceremony.
The membership only costs £2, and by becoming a member you can help support this project.
They encourage people to get in touch directly or via email:
oslpantry@gmail.com or oldsarumandlonghedgepantry@gmail.com
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