HIVE Portsmouth is calling for local businesses and organisations to unite and help get food to those most in need.
By supporting a local food pantry or larder, and becoming part of the shared mission, businesses will be offering much-needed assistance to those in their local community.
They can get involved through sponsorship, fundraising, food donations, volunteering or by offering practical support.
Havant-based Comserv, which provides responsive repairs and maintenance solutions, has been supporting Paulsgrove pantry since its inception.
Prior to the food pantry opening, the company supplied a display fridge, and provided racking and fitting services for free.
They continue to support the pantry through a monthly financial donation to HIVE Portsmouth and regular food donations from vacant properties. Their staff also regularly hold food collections to support the Paulsgrove pantry.
Through their association with HIVE Portsmouth, Comserv has also supported with the change of location for Baffins pantry last year, from St Cuthbert's Church to Tangier Road. Their operatives worked to remove two original steps outside the property and replace them with deeper single step, making it easier for those with prams and buggies to enter the pantry.
They also installed handrails, fitted a new door to the bathroom, and made improvements to the toilet.
Richard Cooper, Group Executive Manager for Comserv said: “We were keen to find a suitable community project to support, and approached HIVE Portsmouth in 2022 to see how we could help. Our area of service covers areas including Paulsgrove, so we jumped at the chance to support a social value initiative in the area. It’s a great project to be involved in and we know that we’re making a real difference to people locally. We, and our staff, are very proud of our involvement. It’s also been a good opportunity to give our staff opportunities they might not otherwise get.”
Lorna Reavley, Chief Officer at HIVE Portsmouth said: “We’re enormously grateful to Comserv for all of their continuing support. Many local people rely on food pantries and larders to keep their costs down and it’s thanks to the people, organisations and wonderful businesses such as Comserv that these essential facilities are able to continue to provide the vital support that they offer to those most in need.”
These pantries and larders offer groceries for nominal fees for families who are looking to fill their fridges and cupboards in a more affordable way, and are a lifeline for many people who would otherwise struggle to afford the cost of groceries.
It’s also a more sustainable way of living, reducing food waste and its environmental impact.
Currently, there are eight pantries and larders operational in Portsmouth, based in Portsea, Paulsgrove, North End, Baffins, Cosham, Southsea and Fratton, with two operating in Landport, and further pantries in the pipeline.
Find details of your local pantry at Support a food pantry | HIVE Portsmouth
To find out more about getting involved, email info@hiveportsmouth.org.uk or call 023 9400 7124.