Affordable food and practical skills for care leavers at The Hub's new Good Food Pantry

Young people in Barnsley who have been in care will have access to affordable and sustainable food and practical skills through a new food pantry initiative.

The Hub on Westgate, a central safe space for care-experienced young people aged 16 to 25, is proud to be the latest Good Food Pantry location, which was officially opened by the Mayor of Barnsley, Cllr David Leech, at a special ribbon cutting event this week.

The pantry sources supplies through the FareShare charity, which redistributes surplus food, and from low-cost supermarkets during promotional periods.

As well as being able to purchase a bag of shopping for four pounds, the young people can access cookery courses and pick up five ingredient recipe cards for inspiration.

They have also been given the opportunity to become volunteers at the pantry, with a number completing Level 2 food hygiene certificates, allowing them to safely help manage and stock the pantry. Staff at The Hub will guide them as they gain experience in merchandise management, cash handling, and stock organisation.

Cllr Leech said: “I was delighted to officially open The Hub’s Good Food Pantry and meet some of the young people who will benefit from this excellent initiative.

“It is incredibly exciting to see this service become a reality.  It will provide essential support while contributing to their confidence and resilience.

“Together, we are creating a brighter future for all our young people.”

The pantry will initially be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, but no care leaver will be turned away outside of these hours.

While other Good Food Pantries have already been launched, this is Barnsley’s first initiative specifically set up to support care leavers. 

To help ensure the long-term sustainability of the pantry, businesses interested in offering free surplus food, or support our care leavers in any way whether that's with household items, kitchen essentials, or hygiene products, are encouraged to get in touch by emailing TheHubGoodFoodPantry@barnsley.gov.uk This could make a real difference and help continue to provide vital support to those who need it most.