Schools Feed Families: Food Pantries Offer Relief

Primary schools across North Yorkshire are now hosting weekly food pantries, a council-supported initiative designed to provide sustainable and affordable food for families. This program, launched in 2024, has expanded to include five schools, significantly impacting local communities.

At Selby's Barwic Parade Community Primary School, the pantry has become an "amazing resource," according to headteacher Sarah Dixon. She notes increasing weekly attendance, with parents relying on the provision for food security. A bag of groceries, containing items like bread and vegetables, costs a nominal £2.

The council facilitates the initial setup by connecting schools with food redistributors like Fareshare Yorkshire. This charity intercepts edible food that would otherwise go to waste, supplying it to various projects. Fareshare Yorkshire supports 380 projects and has observed a rise in school involvement over the past five or six years.

At Malton Primary Academy, pupils are actively involved in the food pantry operations. They help stock shelves, price produce, and interact with customers, fostering a sense of community and responsibility. The school partners with Ryedale Food Aid to source supplies, operating the pantry five days a week.

North Yorkshire Council emphasizes that these pantries promote healthy lifestyles by ensuring children have access to good nutrition, which positively impacts their behavior and learning. The low cost of food substantially lowers household bills, offering a crucial aid for families managing the current cost of living.