Oasis Pantry in Carlisle stands as a vibrant beacon of community support, operating as a key part of the wider "Your Local Pantry" network. This initiative goes far beyond the traditional concept of a food bank, offering a sustainable, dignified, and empowering solution to food insecurity and waste.
At its core, Oasis Pantry operates on a membership model. For a modest weekly subscription individuals and families who are residents in the local area can access a substantial amount of groceries – typically ranging from £15 to £25 worth of food. This significant saving empowers members, allowing them to stretch their household budgets further and alleviate some of the financial pressures that many are currently facing due to rising living costs.
What truly sets Oasis Pantry apart, and indeed the entire "Your Local Pantry" network, is the emphasis on choice and dignity. Unlike many emergency food provisions where recipients may receive a pre-selected parcel, members at Oasis Pantry can browse and choose the items they need and prefer, much like a regular shop. This includes a diverse array of fresh fruits and vegetables, often sourced from surplus, along with essential store cupboard favourites, chilled goods, and sometimes even toiletries. This element of choice is crucial for promoting well-being and respecting individual dietary needs and preferences.
The food itself is often rescued surplus from retailers and manufacturers, which would otherwise go to waste. This not only provides high-quality food to those who need it but also contributes to a more sustainable food system by significantly reducing food waste. This environmental benefit goes hand-in-hand with the social impact, making Oasis Pantry a truly multifaceted community asset.
More than just a place to get food, Oasis Pantry, located at St Paul's Church in Carlisle, serves as a vital community hub. It's a place where relationships are built, and isolation is reduced. Members often report improvements not only in their financial situations but also in their overall health and mental well-being, thanks to the sense of community and support they find there. These pantries can also offer a pathway to other support services, sometimes hosting advice sessions or signposting members to relevant agencies like Citizens Advice.
The success of Oasis Pantry in Carlisle is a testament to the power of community-led initiatives. It's operated by dedicated volunteers and staff, often supported by local organisations and partnerships with charities like FareShare, which facilitates the redistribution of surplus food. The demand for such services has soared in recent times, highlighting the growing need for affordable food options. While Oasis Pantry has seen its membership grow, it has, like many other similar initiatives, experienced significant demand, sometimes leading to waiting lists for new members.
In essence, Oasis Pantry embodies the philosophy of "Your Local Pantry": providing affordable food with dignity and choice, fostering community, and tackling the twin challenges of food poverty and food waste. It represents a progressive and sustainable model for supporting communities and building a more resilient and equitable food landscape.
Oasis Food Pantry runs each Friday 10am – 2pm at Chatsworth House (the entrance is via the black gate on Victoria Place – then turn left up the ramp to the entrance door)).
Membership is open to residents of Carlisle who are struggling financially and members can do a weekly shop for £6.50 per week.
