Our Community Pantry is committed to providing food supplies to those in the Neath Port Talbot area, with no restrictions or eligibility requirements. We aim to foster a sense of community by ensuring that everyone, regardless of circumstance, has access to basic food items.
How It Works:
Open to All:
The pantry is accessible to everyone, without judgment or questioning. Whether you are facing financial difficulties, experiencing temporary challenges, or simply want to help reduce food waste, the pantry is here for you. No proof of need or personal information is required.
Pre-Packed Bags:
Each visit entitles individuals or families to one pre-packed bag containing 8 essential food items. These items are thoughtfully selected to include a variety of non-perishable goods such as canned foods, pasta, rice, cereals, and other staples. Unfortunately, due to our structure, we are unable to customise the contents of these bags.
Collection Times:
The community pantry operates during set hours: fortnightly Monday 10:00 – 12:00. Please check our notice boards or social media pages for any updates or changes to these times.
Frequency of Use:
We kindly ask that you take only one bag per visit. This helps us serve as many people as possible, ensuring that the supplies are distributed fairly across the community.
Respectful Use:
We operate on a system of mutual trust and respect. We ask all visitors to be mindful of others by taking only what is needed. This helps ensure that we can continue to provide consistent support to everyone in the community.
Additional Support:
If you have specific dietary needs (e.g., allergies, intolerances), we encourage you to let a member of staff know. While we may not be able to accommodate all requests, we will do our best to offer alternatives when available. If you require more information on other services, our Wellbeing Officer can assist in connecting you with local support networks – please let us know if you would like to arrange an informal chat.
Donations:
The community pantry is powered by donations from individuals, local businesses, and organisations. While donations are not required to use the pantry, they are always appreciated. If you wish to contribute, please contact us for a list of needed items or details on drop-off times.
Conduct and Safety:
We ask that all visitors respect the space, staff, volunteers, and fellow members. Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and dignified while using the pantry. Please be patient during busy periods, and follow any instructions given by staff to ensure a smooth and efficient process.
The YMCA is a no-judgment zone. We value inclusivity, kindness, and support for one another.
Health and Safety Guidelines:
To maintain hygiene and food safety, we ask that visitors handle their bags and the food items carefully. Staff and volunteers regularly inspect items for expiration dates, and any food past its use-by date will not be distributed.
Hand sanitiser is available on-site, and we encourage its use before and after handling the bags.
If you are feeling unwell or have symptoms of illness, we kindly request that you ask someone else to collect on your behalf or wait until you feel better to visit the pantry.
Feedback and Community Involvement:
We value feedback from the community to help us improve the service. If you have suggestions on how the pantry can better meet the needs of those using it, please feel free to speak with a member of staff or contact us via email.
Our pantry is a community-driven initiative, and we encourage anyone interested in volunteering to reach out. Whether you can help with organising, packing, or donations, your support is always welcome.
Our Goal:
The community pantry exists to reduce food waste and to ensure that no one in our area goes without food. We believe in the power of community and strive to provide a service that upholds dignity, respect, and mutual support.
