A COMMUNITY hub in Cirencester which offers cheap surplus food marked its first anniversary on Friday.

Cirencester Pantry volunteers run a weekly larder in Watermoor Church Hall every Friday afternoon with the aim to help reduce food waste and to support people who are struggling with the cost of living.

The project diverts food - such as chilled meat, fresh fruit and vegetables, pasta, rice and tinned goods - that is destined for landfill to its members. 

The pantry's offering comes from national food charity FareShare, local supermarkets including Tesco, Aldi and Lidl, and Market Garden greengrocer in Dyer Street, Cirencester.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Cirencester Pantry offers a wide array of produce that would have otherwise gone to landfillCirencester Pantry offers a wide array of produce that would have otherwise gone to landfill (Image: Cirencester Pantry)

Cirencester Round Table members also contribute to the project by organising transport to fetch the FareShare food from Stroud. 

Since its inception a year ago, Cirencester Pantry has saved more than 15 tonnes of surplus food from being wasted. 

Mary Cobbett, founder at Cirencester Pantry, said: "We are thrilled to celebrate the first anniversary of Cirencester Pantry and reflect on the incredible strides we've made in our mission to combat food waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

"The support from the Cotswold Connected Community and Food Programme has been instrumental in our success, and we are grateful for their ongoing partnership."

The weekly larder has also fostered a sense of community between its members who share triumphs, thoughts and recipes with each other on private Facebook group.

Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard: Volunteers at Cirencester Pantry's Christmas event Volunteers at Cirencester Pantry's Christmas event (Image: Cirencester Pantry)

Every pantry member is required to volunteer for a number of roles such as setting up, serving, pick-ups and clean-up duties.

One of the members said: “Since attending the pantry I have been able to make the food in our house last until we get paid.

"Due to illness I had to cut my hours at work, so money is very tight. 

"Before I joined, the last week before I got paid was very difficult, we had to decide between food or electric.

"Since joining the pantry I've learnt how to make savvy meals and there’s more healthy food in the house and less waste.

"I am so grateful and happy to be a member of a great team.”

To find out more about the project visit Cirencester Pantry's Facebook page.