[Press Release]
St Giles opened its latest Pantry in Kensal Rise, West London, on 8 March as national figures show that millions of people – including one million children – are trapped in destitute circumstances.
Figures released from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation show 3.8 million people experienced the most extreme form of poverty – destitution – in 2022, an increase of 61% increase since 2019, with more than one million of those affected children. Around 14.4 million people were living in poverty in 2021/2022, according to the government’s annual ‘households below average income’ report.
The St Giles Pantry network aims to help alleviate these inequalities by providing Pantry users with access to affordable, wholesome surplus food which would otherwise have ended up in landfill. Whilst doing their shop at the Pantry, people also benefit from advice and guidance services from on-hand staff who help address the underlying issues trapping people in poverty.
The Kensal Rise Pantry is the result of a partnership with the Royal Borough of Kensington, building on the success of the St Giles’ Ixworth Place Pantry, which has been running for three years. The Kensal Rise Pantry is in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea with funders including Fusion21 and Public Health. The borough is an area of extremes of wealth and poverty, with more than 1 in 5 (23%) Kensington and Chelsea neighbourhoods among the 20% most income-deprived in England and Wales.
St Giles Social Business Manager David Adams said:
“90% of the people using our Pantry network say it has helped them access more fresh fruit and veg – nutritious, healthy food which would otherwise have ended up in landfill.
In London alone, we had 90,000 kilograms of surplus food donated last year. This equated to 215,000 meals and £750 worth of food for each person over six months.
Our Pantry network is about more than just food. They become hubs for local communities, safe spaces where people experiencing often very tough times can come and feel connected to other people going through similar situations”.
They continued:
“It is vital that everyone can access affordable, nutritious food that can keep them nourished and healthy. Poor nutrition has a knock–on effect on physical and mental health which can then exacerbate already challenging circumstances.”
For media enquiries please email our media team: media@stgilestrust.org.uk
Photographs: Roemello_Photography
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