Supporting our local community

LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT: BURGESS HILL PANTRY | 13/11/24

Giving back to the community that we are a part of has been one of the most important parts of the ethos of Burgess Hill Phoenix WFC since the get-go. We are proud to be regular supporters of the Burgess Hill Pantry, and wanted to take this opportunity to get to know this amazing project  a little better.

Based in the Martlets shopping centre in central Burgess Hill, Burgess Hill Pantry aims to alleviate food poverty in the Mid Sussex area.

Part of a council initiative called “No Cupboard Empty”.

The Pantry offers its members the chance to select around £25-£30 worth of food per week for a membership fee of £5, enabling those facing financial difficulties to stretch their grocery budgets further.

Run by a team of cheerful, welcoming volunteers, Burgess Hill Pantry supplies a range of foods, from tinned and packaged store-cupboard fillers to fresh fruit and veg and dairy products, and even seasonal treats. With the cost of living crisis very much still in full swing, and household bills higher than ever, we at Burgess Hill Phoenix understand all too well how hard it is to make ends meet, and we are big fans of what the Pantry offers the community. When we can, we are trying to donate to try and make sure that local families do not ever have to go hungry, or choose between heating and eating.

During the month of December, Burgess Hill Pantry is running a special Advent Calendar for donations, with a different item being requested each day as part of a drive to boost people’s food cupboards for the demands of the festive season.

However, providing bargain groceries to those who need them is not even the only amazing thing that Burgess Hill Pantry do!

Every Wednesday morning, Spire IT come to the Pantry to provide free IT support to anyone who needs it, whether Pantry members or not. So if you or anyone you know needs help or has an issue with any device, including phones, tablets and laptops, come along to Burgess Hill Pantry – sessions are between 9.30-11.30am.

The Pantry has also been offering support with maths and literacy. While these sessions are temporarily on hold, they are planned to resume in the new year, so keep an eye on the Pantry’s Facebook page for updates.

Every three weeks, Mid Sussex Homelessness Prevention Team visit Burgess Hill Pantry to offer one-to-one support to anyone experiencing housing-related issues, for example antisocial behaviour, problems with a landlord, or difficulties with rent arrears. This service is also available to both Pantry members and non-members. Anyone who wants to organize a confidential meeting should contact Claire at Burgess Hill Pantry.

As we move into the colder weather, Burgess Hill Pantry are offering a Coat Swap scheme so that anyone who needs a warm coat can come and get one free of charge. Again, this is open to non-members as well as members.

When it comes to the Pantry’s key offering – food – members can also access cookery sessions run by the Impact Foundation. These will start again in the new year and will aim to teach people knife skills and how to cook nutritious recipes from budget-friendly ingredients.

Beyond these undoubtedly vital practical support schemes, Burgess Hill Pantry also provides a space for people to connect with each other, offering free tea and coffee and a place for members to sit and chat. This kind of initiative is fantastic for anyone living alone or in a vulnerable situation, making them feel part of a wider community.

Burgess Hill Pantry provides a vital resource for the area and its services are needed more than ever, and that is why Burgess Hill Phoenix WFC are so delighted to support what they are doing.

Note: Burgess Hill Pantry will be moving premises in March, so please keep an eye on their Facebook page to find out more about how services will be affected.

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