Published on Monday 09 September 2024
Many people that use local food support services are experiencing temporary financial hardship because of a change in circumstances such as illness, unexpected costs or housing.
Staff nurse Emma has been visiting the Poole Pantry in Parkstone for the last few months. With a long-term health condition, she is no longer well enough to work and has come to the end of her statutory sick pay.
I was a nurse for 27 years however my health has been declining. I have chronic asthma and have been on long term sick leave due to Covid and pneumonia. I’m now at a point where I can’t work, so I have no current income coming in. The pantry has been a stop gap for me while I wait for my ill health retirement payments to start. I still have a mortgage and bills to pay, so money is tight, and it’s great that this is here as a back-up. I’ve been grateful for their help and support. I can get my food essentials here, topping up with yellow label supermarket food where I can. Citizens Advice are here too, so I’ve also had help applying for additional support and benefits. As a thanks, I try to give back to the Pantry when I can. I’ve been bringing in surplus homegrown vegetables so they can be shared with others or as part of their regular lunch club meals. It’s a small gesture but I'm now known as the Leek Lady!
- Emma, staff nurse
The Poole Pantry based at the Parkstone United Reform Church runs the membership-based scheme on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11.45am to 1.15pm. For a suggested donation of £5, you can get a bag of up to 10 different items with a retail value of around £20.
A community meal is also available on the same days from 12.15pm for a suggested £4-£7 donation.