Pantry use up as users struggle with cost of living

A community hub says the number of people using its pantry is "going up month on month" as families "don't know how to cope."

All Pulling Together, based in Stonehouse, is a community interest company mainly run by volunteers. Its aim is to support the local community in different ways, including providing access to affordable food supplies.

Ongoing conflict in the Middle East has pushed up oil and gas prices, increasing the cost of transport, fertiliser and food production.

Jackie Edwards, the group's chair, said the situation is leaving people worried about money: "I think it's scary for younger families, they've never been in this situation before," she said.

Edwards said the number of people using the food pantry is "going up month on month," with between 300 and 400 people now relying on it each month.

"I think we're seeing a lot more of them come to us because they don't know how to cope," she said.

Wendy, who uses the pantry herself, said she has struggled with the rising cost of living. Her wife is ill at home, meaning she has had to reduce her working hours.

Rising fuel prices are a particular worry for her. "We're kind of on the breadline now. Luckily, my wife has a Motability car, so that saves on insurance, but we still have to put petrol in, and we're backwards and forwards to the hospital," she said.

Mark uses the pantry, and said that by the time he has paid his rent he has "got no money left".

"With the war going on it's going to get worse… everything goes up in prices, nothing comes down," he added.

Chloe, a single mum who also relies on the pantry, said rising prices have made her anxiety "a lot worse". She said she is "grateful for the kindness" shown by the volunteers at the hub.

As well as running a community pantry, All Pulling Together helps people find employment, hosts activities such as craft groups and book clubs, and supports children who aren't in school to get back into education.