Could your business support a local food pantry or larder?
By becoming part of our shared mission, your business will be offering much-needed assistance to people in your local community.
For businesses with Corporate Social Responsibility objectives, supporting your local food pantry underscores your dedication to the local community.
Many of our business partners have found that their employees take great pride in working for a company that actively cares about the community, and we love shouting about the businesses which support local pantries.
This partnership also provides your staff with opportunities for personal growth and development, and can strengthen team spirit.
Whether through sponsorship, fundraising, food donations or volunteering, we can tailor a partnership that’s right for you.
You could….
- Donate food
- Fundraise
- Pledge a certain amount of money each month
- Help out with the practical stuff
- Volunteer
How does it work?
We will work with you to understand how you could best support this initiative.
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 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 change 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. For example, two of our carpenter apprentices were able to gain experience working to fit the room out at Paulsgrove which they wouldn’t usually get working in people’s homes.”
Catherine Ramsay, Deputy 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 seven pantries and larders operational in Portsmouth, based in Portsea, Paulsgrove, North End, Baffins, Cosham and Southsea, with two operating in Landport, and further pantries in the pipeline.
Find details of your local pantry
To find out more about getting involved, email us at info@hiveportsmouth.org.uk or call 023 9400 7124.