An organisation which helps families struggling with the cost of living crisis is celebrating its third birthday.

Sandbach Pantry, which provides discounted tinned and packaged food to members who are struggling with the cost of food in Sandbach and Haslington, was set up in October 2022.

Now three years on, the organisation supported by Churches Together and based at the Wesley Centre in Sandbach is still going strong and helping families with their weekly food items.

Sandbach Pantry say there have been over 300 referrals representing 700 family members made by 45 different agencies since it was launched.

A spokesperson said: "We have seen over 6,000 visits in three years with typically 50 visits each Thursday, a number that has continued to grow in the face of the cost of living crisis.

Sandbach Pantry is supported by Churches Together. (Photo: Nub News)

"Behind the surface prosperity of Sandbach there is considerable financial hardship - not just those unable to work, or on benefits, but many working families are struggling to make ends meet."

Sandbach Pantry operates on a referral basis, so is able to support those in the community who are struggling the most financially.

It opens every Thursday to provide affordable food to members for a token weekly payment. Members are referred by social services, local authorities, surgeries, churches, schools, charities and local councillors.

As well as shopping for tinned, packaged, chilled and frozen food and a range of fruit, vegetables, bakery and hygiene products, members can stop for a free hot drink and snack while chatting to other members and our volunteers.

"We have a team of 45 volunteers whose commitment, care and support to our community is amazing. The Pantry could not operate without them," said the spokesperson.

"Our vision is to create a social hub where members not only come and get food but also access other services critical for physical and mental wellbeing.

They also organise drop-ins from groups such as Citizens Advice Energy Advice, Age UK Scam Awareness, NHS breast screening, Cheshire East One You and Cheshire East Financial Welfare Team and local councillors.

Sandbach Pantry's monthly food bill is around £2,700 with members' payments only cover a third of this cost meaning the organisation depends on individual donations, grants and fundraising to make up the difference.

"We are delighted to have received grants over the three years from the Government Household Support Fund, Sandbach Town Council, Cheshire Community Foundation, Avanti West Coast, Asda Foundation and Feeding Britain. We are generously supported by food donations from individuals, schools and churches, particularly around Harvest time."

If you need help, you can contact Sandbach Pantry by email at [email protected]

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