Barnsley’s first Good Food Pantry opened its doors in Royston this afternoon, making it easier for local people to access quality food no matter their budget. 

Located at the Manor Court Community Centre, this pantry is a first of its kind for the borough. It has been made possibly by the volunteers at Royston Friends Association, support from Barnsley Council and funding from the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority. 

Royston’s Good Food Pantry will offer good-quality food at heavily discounted prices to the local community and will be open every Monday from 10am until 1pm. 

Today’s grand opening was the first-time local residents got to see the space for themselves. We were joined by Councillor Caroline Makinson, our Deputy Leader, to help officially open the pantry and learn more about our vision for affordable food access across the borough. 

Good Food Pantries will provide a sustainable and affordable food offer for local residents, forming part of the wider community support and activities our teams offer. 

Food suppliers used by these pantries will offer surplus food which would have otherwise gone to waste. This means that members will be able to make big savings on their food bills while helping us to reduce food waste, supporting our Sustainable Barnsley ambitions. 

Pantries don’t make a profit, with money made through sales being used to cover the costs of running these spaces, including buying varied good food to choose from. 

Councillor Caroline Makinson, Deputy Leader for Barnsley Council, said: “In Barnsley, we’re committed to supporting families to live happy, healthy lives. We want to make sure everyone can access the affordable, quality food they need to thrive in our borough, so I’m delighted to welcome Barnsley’s first Good Food Pantry to Royston. 

“This innovative approach is all about community and togetherness, being run by the amazing volunteers at Royston Friends Association. We want this to be a welcoming space for those who need it, where you’re able to pick and choose from a range of affordable, sustainable food options. 

“This is just one of the ways we’re bringing our Good Food Barnsley ambitions to life, and we hope to see more pantries opening across our borough in the future.” 

To learn more about our ambitions for helping everyone in Barnsley thrive and the support we offer residents across the borough, please visit our More Money in Your Pocket webpage.