Symbol group grocer the Co-op has announced an expansion of its community pantry initiative, in partnership with the Your Local Pantry movement.

With the new partnership agreement, the scheme which has been launched to help families struggling with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, will be extended from 75 areas across the UK to 225 within three years.

This will create around 650,000 visits by July 2025.

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Members of Your Local Pantry pay a small subscription of a few pounds a week and in return can choose groceries worth many times more.

“Everybody should have access to good food,” Co-op director of community and membership, Rebecca Birkbeck, said.

“This innovative new partnership with Your Local Pantry complements our existing initiatives to provide dignified long-term solutions to food insecurity and the cost of living.

“Things are tough for many of us at the moment and we are proud that pantries will be there to support people and their local communities in dealing with the challenges that are thrown at them, it feels like a real step in the right direction to make the world that little bit fairer.”

Your Local Pantry network development co-ordinator James Henderson added: “Pantries have enabled tens of thousands of people around the UK to strengthen their community and loosen the grip of high prices.

“Pantries reduce isolation, foster community and friendships, improve health and pre-empt poverty, and this exciting new partnership with Co-op will enable thousands more people to join and enjoy pantries.”