Aspire Ryde Due To Close Four 'Costly' Pantries As Alternative Support Ideas Considered

(c) Aspire Ryde

Aspire Ryde is set to close the four pop-up pantries it runs across the Isle of Wight.

Pantries at Chale Village Hall, Freshwater Memorial Hall, Shanklin United Reformed Church, and Shalfleet Village Hall will close in May.

A spokesperson for Ryde Aspire said:

"The pop-up pantry model is particularly costly due to the need to travel, set up, pack down and travel back on each occasion. 

"In addition, some are in more rural areas which means the need and footfall is particularly low.

"There are better models to help people in poverty, such as assistance with supermarket deliveries where large distribution networks reduce the cost considerably.

"Pantries have open access to everyone, there is no means testing.  Some of the data suggests that a number of those attending are not in financial need.

"We have offered the pop-up pantries to all other existing Island pantries to take over and run, including handing over the van and other equipment for free.  None have taken up this offer.

"The big advantage of static pantries, when run well, is the ability to build community around them and to support those who are using them to get to a position where they are no longer needed.

"This is what we are dedicated to doing as a Charity and what has been particularly difficult under the pop-up model.

"There are better and more cost-effective ways of making sure that the most vulnerable members of our community have enough food. 

"These tend to involve more personal contact, kindness bags to sustain people and 1-2-1 working with them for support.

"We are working with IW Council to find sustainable models for the delivery of all static pantries and, particularly, to focus the funding that is available on those that need it most.

"We are working with Isle of Wight Council to see if we can provide smaller, static pantries in two more locations, including in Shanklin that can continue to serve the community and those most in need."