Mon, 02 Feb 2026

Mon, 02 Feb 2026 School pantries mean 'food on table' for families

Food pantries are run by schools in North Yorkshire in a bid to help parents, and tackle food waste.
Food Pantry Scheme in Primary Schools
* North Yorkshire Council launched a programme to provide sustainable and affordable food in 2024
* Five primary schools are now hosting weekly food pantries, which have become essential for many families
* A bag of groceries costs £2 and includes items such as bread, vegetables, snacks, and even meat
* The aim is for the school's pantry to become self-sufficient, with the nominal fee covering the cost of buying food from distributors
* Schools like Selby's Barwic Parade Community Primary School have seen a significant impact on families' lives, providing them with "food on the table" and reducing unnecessary food waste Benefits of the Scheme
* Around 270,000 tonnes of edible food can go to waste each year, but schools are helping reduce this by redistributing surplus food
* The pantry has become an essential resource for many families struggling with the cost of living
* Children at some schools are directly involved in stocking shelves and pricing produce, teaching them valuable skills and promoting community involvement Success Stories
* Parent Cheryl Scott said she's been able to pick up "all sorts" of groceries before, and that it's "really good" to know something like this is available for £2
* Frances Tasker, a grandmother of a school pupil, found the pantry to be "good value for money", helping those on a lower income
* Julie Peacock, safeguarding lead at Malton Primary Academy, said the children are fully committed to their role and enjoy helping people in their community
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