A vital mobile food pantry in Earl Shilton, operated by Feed The Hungry UK, is at risk of shutting down unless new funding can be secured within weeks. The Earl Shilton mobile pantry has been supporting the community for nearly two years, but with the current sponsorship ending in March, its future now hangs in the balance.
Since launching in April 2023, the pantry has distributed over 1,500 food parcels and provided essential support to around 4,500 people. It offers fresh, frozen, and ambient food at affordable rates to those struggling financially, alongside a selection of toiletries and cleaning products.
A Crucial Community Service
CEO of Feed The Hungry UK, Gavin Kibble MBE, emphasized the impact of the service, stating:
“Many small communities are struggling to make ends meet, yet accessing cheaper supermarkets by car or bus is costly, and often beyond the means of many local residents.
Poverty in rural communities is a largely forgotten issue, but our mobile pantry is the perfect solution. It is well stocked and offers not just food but also support systems for those in need.”
However, with the current funding agreement coming to an end, the charity cannot afford to continue operating the mobile pantry without securing a new sponsor. An estimated £30,000 per year is required to safeguard the short-term future of this crucial service.
A Lifeline for Local Residents
One pantry user, who wished to remain anonymous, highlighted the real impact of the service:
“This project has been a lifeline. Without it, I don’t know how I would have managed. Not only the food but the support and advice I have received have helped me move from struggling to coping.”
Seeking Urgent Support
Without urgent intervention, the Earl Shilton mobile pantry will be forced to close at the end of March, leaving many residents without access to affordable food and support. Feed The Hungry UK is now appealing to businesses, community organizations, and individuals to step forward as a sponsor to ensure the survival of this essential service.
For further information or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact Feed The Hungry UK at 01926 350 800, visit their website, or email mobile@thecommunitypantry.org.uk.
Let’s come together as a community to keep this vital service running and support those in need!
A version of this article was originally published in the Hinckley Free Press.
