Almost half (48%) of Brits feel a sense of hopelessness about the rising cost of food, a Co-op commisioned survey has found.
While a third of people impacted by the rising cost of living are turning to food charities more often, the convenience retailer found that 31% have not turned to food banks due to stigma and feeling that they may be taking products from those who are more in need.
The independent study of 2,000 Brits found there is a need for alternative sustainable solutions however, 56% of people turning to food banks aren’t aware of other food projects able to help improve household finances.
This comes as Co-op has partnered with low-cost food project and community hub, Your Local Pantry which is set to see the network triple within three years from 75 to 225 pantries across the UK.
The collaboration aims to support over 32,000 households, saving Local Pantry members almost £5 million on shopping bills.
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“At Co-op, we believe that everybody should have access to good food. It is thanks to our members that we are able support this innovative partnership with Your Local Pantry, as well as many other initiatives, such as our investment to grow Hubbub’s Community Fridge network,” Co-op director of community and membership participation, Rebecca Birkbeck said.
“We are proud to be continuing to support Your Local Pantry, which offers communities a long-term, sustainable solution to help manage their household finances and learn new skills. For all at Co-op, this feels like a real step in the right direction to ensure fairer access to food for all.”
Your Local Pantry newtork development coordinator, James Henderson added: “Pantries are fantastic places. They bring people together around food, soften the impact of high living costs, and strengthen the power and potential of neighbourhoods.
“Communities have long wanted to improve food security while upholding dignity, choice and hope, and Pantries are a proven win-win solution. We’re really excited to be teaming up with the Co-op, so another 150 neighbourhoods can open Pantries of their own.”
