Hopefully you’ll have seen the information in and around school about our food pantry project – in conjunction with the charity FareShare. It’s a win-win in terms of: helping the school community; and also reducing food waste and avoiding the landfill alternative for local supermarkets with surplus food. It’s also great for everyone to see sustainability working in practice.

Since it opened it has been very well received with approximately 600kg of food being given to over 100 families. An average basket of groceries weighs between 10 – 25kg so, in context, that is 40+ baskets of food – a wonderful achievement for everyone involved.

For our school community we want to support every one of our children who come through our doors to take part in all the amazing things Kingshurst has to offer. Having enough to eat is obviously vital and the food parcels we are distributing will help to fuel energy, enthusiasm and focus each day.

A delighted parent, on using the pantry, said “The first time I used the food pantry I was so shocked. I was having a rough day and praying for help. It was the biggest blessing with how much was in the food bag. It helped so, so much… especially at these times. The food pantry is a lifeline. The food pantry bag was amazing, it had some of our favourite things in it too!”

The initiative is highly collaborative and representative of the strong relationships we have created in recent years:

• FareShare is a UK charity dedicated to reducing food waste
• It is supported by Kingshurst’s Ethos Team
• The Ethos Team is funded through the Grace Foundation and Rigby Foundation

Each partner plays a key part in maintaining the circular nature of food going in and out of our pantry, from ongoing supply and food hygiene, through to fair and regular distribution, and further advice for users if needed.

As a reminder:

• The food pantry is open during school hours each week
• Users make appointments to collect food parcels – allowing privacy and discretion if preferred
• The service is entirely free of charge, although voluntary cash donations can be made
• The pantry shelves are stocked with a selection of fresh and cupboard items, all depending on daily availability

Simone Connolly, CEO of FareShare  said “We are really excited to be supporting Tudor Grange Academy Kingshurst with its food pantry. By using food from FareShare Midlands, the pantry will help to reduce food waste and provide the Kingshurst community with access to an affordable food shop. This is the very essence of what we do – making sure that we make the most of supermarkets’ surplus by helping people who need it.”

Mr Turner said “Our food pantry has been carefully planned to maximise support and promote the benefits of rescuing surplus supermarket food. We’ve organised it so that the sessions are staffed by our trusted, pastoral staff, who will offer users the options of collecting their food and leaving discreetly, or offering a chat and cup of tea, accessing further information if needed. What a great thing to be able to provide – good food being diverted from landfill, avoiding waste, and helping our community – what could be better?”

All funding for the Kingshurst food pantry is covered through a 3-year agreement with the Ethos team. It is hoped that the project will continue to be a success and exist beyond its initial 3-year plan. Any money raised through donations, including over £100 to date, will be used in similar projects managed by FareShare.

Keep spreading the word!