The Burgess Hill Pantry has officially opened, providing a vital lifeline for hundreds of local families and standing as a shining example of what a community can achieve when it comes together.
But this isn’t your typical food bank. The Pantry operates on a model that offers more than just groceries. It gives people choice, ownership, and dignity at a time when it’s needed most. Members are able to shop in a welcoming, normalised environment and leave with bags full of donated food, all for just £5 or £8 depending on household size but more importantly, they leave with their heads held high.
Behind this dignified approach is a brilliant team: two part-time staff and a staggering 40 volunteers, who give over 420 hours a month of their time. And they do more than stock shelves. These friendly, familiar faces build trust and friendships with the members, often signposting them to further support, charities or services that could help. It’s grassroots kindness in action.
The Pantry already supports 270 households, reaching over 900 people and that number is growing. With the cost of living pushing more families, young people and pensioners into difficult decisions, this service is more vital than ever.
But the journey to today wasn’t easy. When BH Pantry was told their previous premises were closing, the team faced a cliff-edge moment. But then, a small conversation sparked something big.
Claire, the Pantry’s manager, was introduced by Mandi Stanley from Focus Foundation to Ashley Harrison of PRM Architects and things took off.
Ashley didn’t just offer a few tips and his architecture skills, he helped project-manage the fit-out of the new premises, right in the heart of Burgess Hill’s market area, bringing in a team of generous local businesses who worked pro bono or at a heavily discounted rate to make it happen.
The Dream team include:
- PRM Architects
- Switched On Electrical
- G&K Heating
- Total Building Control
- Paul Melbert Design
- EWS (Eco Waste Solutions)
- Print Lord
- JG&JR Langridge
- Altro Flooring
- Hanaura Flooring
- Anstey Horne
- Bluelite Graphics
- Central Sussex Rotary
- Bearded Bros Removal Company
This list is just the beginning. It’s a full-blown community collaboration, with everyone pitching in to ensure the Pantry could continue its work and expand it. The new space will soon reintroduce the well-loved drop-in sessions, including literacy and numeracy classes, cooking help, debt advice and more. From September, a monthly tea and cake gathering (in partnership with the local council and Salvation Army) will provide a warm space for conversation and connection.
As for the food it comes from everywhere: FareShare Sussex, local supermarkets, generous individuals, businesses, and schemes like “Grow Us a Row!” encouraging gardeners to share surplus produce. Even KFC donates their leftover stock. Sanitary items are provided free for women. And yes, pets are looked after too.
Sustainability is at the heart of it all. In fact, Burgess Hill Pantry has prevented 30,000kg of food waste, the equivalent of 45,000 meals, from going to landfill. Even stale bread gets returned to a farm to feed cows.
This isn’t just a shop. It’s a movement. One that proves what’s possible when a town comes together with generosity, humility, and a shared commitment to helping neighbours thrive, not just survive.
The doors are now open. The shelves are stocked. The team is ready. And Burgess Hill Pantry is once again a beating heart in its community.
If you need support from Burgess Hill Pantry, please get in touch: www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk
