Banstead Pantry celebrates successful opening with launch event

Attendees and local dignitaries, including Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of Reigate & Banstead Council, were given a tour of the pantry, met with members, and heard about the positive impact it has already made on the community.

Councillor Richard Biggs, the leader of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council along with Jonathan Lees, Good Company Managing Director

Affordable healthy food 

Located on Banstead High Street, the pantry is a community initiative that offers affordable, healthy food to members in the area, bridging the gap between traditional food banks and regular supermarkets.

It provides access to a range of goods including fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, dairy products, and household essentials, all made affordable to pantry members. Banstead Pantry is part of the national ‘Your Local Pantry’ network and the second to be opened in the region by Good Company, a charity that works to prevent and alleviate poverty in East Surrey, following its successful Epsom Pantry, which has been operating for two years.

Established through a unique collaboration between housing association Raven Housing Trust, Good Company, and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, the project has been jointly funded by the three partners, and with funding provided by the UK Government as part of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Good Company, which led the project, continues to manage and support the pantry.

Pantry volunteers Jill, Sally, and Margaret

The pantry’s membership model is not means-tested, rather aiming to support those who may be struggling with the rising cost of living.

Members are invited to apply online or through referrals from partners such as Raven Housing Trust, Reigate & Banstead Borough Council, and local food banks. As well as providing food, the pantry serves as a community hub, offering a variety of workshops and social activities. Sessions include financial guidance, cooking classes, and energy-saving tips, with the goal of providing holistic support to help members improve their financial situations, reduce dependency on food aid and gain greater independence.

Ashley Evans, Manager of the Banstead Pantry, shared her excitement about the launch: “We have seen firsthand how a community pantry can make a real difference in people’s lives by providing not only affordable food but also a space for people to come together, share experiences, and support one another. We aim to create a welcoming environment where people feel empowered and connected, and we’re thrilled to see this vision come to life in Banstead.”

Cllr Richard Biggs, Leader of Reigate and Banstead Borough Council, highlighted the council’s role in supporting the pantry: “Banstead Pantry is a key initiative in our commitment to supporting the community and tackling food poverty. We are proud to be a partner in this project, which not only provides affordable food to those in need but also fosters a sense of belonging and support for our residents.”

Team of volunteers 

The initiative has already gained support from locals, with a team of 20 volunteers and over 70 households currently holding a pantry membership. The project partners hope that the pantry will not only provide immediate relief for those in need but also build a stronger, more connected community in Banstead.

Angela Ellis, Head of Community Investments & Partnerships at Raven Housing Trust added: “We’re committed to supporting the wellbeing of our residents in every way we can, and Banstead Pantry is a brilliant initiative that addresses a key need in the community. By offering affordable food and a space for connection, the pantry is not just providing immediate relief but helping to create a more resilient and supportive community. We’re proud to be part of this collaboration and excited to see the positive impact it will continue to have for local families.”

For more information about Banstead Pantry or to become a member, visit this website

For more information about Raven Housing Trust, please visit their website.