In Lostwithiel, a new community pantry has been opened in the former boiler room of St. Bartholomew’s Church.
Treasurer Roger Smith said organisers noticed that the National Lottery Community Fund had provided a £12,000 funding round specifically for communities in need.
Mr Smith said: “We had about five days to submit the grant application, but we were successful.”
“We are very proud of it and want the community of Lostwithiel to make full use of it.”
Mr Smith said: “We had a developer come in and convert a rubbish dump, an old boiler house – it was a mess – into a community food pantry.”
Reverend Sheila Bawden said: “We take in everyone. Anyone who feels they need help can come.”
“For a maximum of £5 they can get a bag of food.
“We have signed up with FareShare who operate from Plymouth. There is a quarterly fee for us which we expect to be able to pay.”
Norma Cattell was the first to use the pantry and said she was struggling financially because she no longer received a heating subsidy for the winter.
She said: “My daughter is on welfare, but because she lives with me, she doesn’t get any money for rent.”
“We have two children/grandchildren. It’s a big house to take care of, so that’s a big help.”
“It’s just a struggle, but then I feel like I’m not the only one. Everyone is fighting.”
Molly and Gary Casling said they have three children at home and the community pantry would definitely help them.
Mrs Casling said: “It is vital to be able to provide for oneself. Sometimes you don’t have enough money because we are on benefits at the moment because of my husband’s health.”
“We have also just brought donations, so it will be a kind of give and take.
Mr Casling said: “When you look around, it seems like everyone is getting by and keeping their lives going. But the reality is that many people are struggling and suffering.”
“Projects like this are vital because, at the end of the day, everyone needs support at some point in their lives. The opportunity to do something like this is a godsend, it’s amazing.”
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