Abri, a leading housing provider, has launched its partnership with local charity Share to expand the growth and impact of its local mobile pantry service in Bracknell. This partnership will ensure more customers struggling with the cost of living can access affordable, good-quality food.
Since launching in April 2024, the Bracknell mobile pantry has grown from six customers on its first day, to more than 80 members today. Over this time period, the mobile pantry has saved customers approximately £3,538, with customers reporting that wanting to reduce food waste and living locally to the pantry stops, being the most common reasons for using the pantry.
Membership to the pantry costs £1 a year, and customers can choose either a 10-item shop for £3.50, or 15 items for £5.
One customer who uses the pantry commented:
“The pantry really helped me. I used to struggle getting to the local shop for essentials due to my mobility, and it’s saved me a lot of money.”
After a break of service over the summer to set everything up properly, Share took over the day-to-day running of the pantry and took it out for the first time on 16 September, with Abri continuing to provide funding and the loan of the van. The partnership was officially celebrated at a launch event on 16 September, when the key to the van was handed over.
Olivia Morris, Community Investment Area Manager at Abri, said:
“I’m delighted with how far the Bracknell mobile pantry has come in just over a year- it makes such a difference to so many people and families in the local community.
“By working with Share, a well-respected local charity, we can ensure that the pantry service reaches more communities, explores new opportunities and offers even greater choice for its members.”
Founded in 2020, Share has built a strong reputation across Wokingham and Bracknell for tackling food insecurity and reducing food waste, running across multiple sites including a Saturday pop-up at Great Hollands Community Centre, supported by Abri.
Thanks to grant funding through Bracknell Forest Council’s Household Support Fund, Share’s connections to other charities and supermarkets, and ability to provide a dedicated service, the partnership will expand the reach of the pantry and offer a wider variety of food for its members. Abri will continue to fund and remain involved in the running of the pantry, supporting Share to ensure its ongoing success.
Claire Revie, Chair of Trustees at Share, said:
“We’re proud to be taking on the day-to-day running of the Bracknell mobile community pantry, a vital service that has helped so many local people struggling through the cost of living crisis.
“With the grant from Bracknell Forest Council and Abri’s continuing support, we have a fantastic opportunity to build on this success, reaching more people and families and ensuring they have access to affordable, good-quality food.”