Parents and staff at Elm Grove Primary School in Brighton have partnered with FareShare Sussex & Surrey to create a novel, stigma-free solution to address the issues of hunger and poverty that affect many families in the local area. According to the 2019 Deprivation Index, parts of the school catchment area fall within the 10% most deprived areas in Britain.
Some children were arriving at school hungry, making them more emotional and less able to concentrate, disrupting their learning and affecting the whole school. Many families were struggling with the cost of living, and the hardships experienced by the worst affected were extreme, with some families even unable to afford personal hygiene and laundry items for their children.
This realisation galvanised the PTA to act, and they soon got on the case, this is when the idea for The Pantry was born:
“This started because parents could see other parents struggling. Working with FareShare Sussex & Surrey has allowed us to turn concern into action, and the response from families has shown just how needed this support is.”
Head of Elm Grove Primary PTA
The PTA fundraised, contacted FareShare Sussex & Surrey and elicited the help of local businesses, such as Hand Made Garden Rooms who gave their time to build The Pantry building on an underused area next to the bike shed.
Fresh produce and groceries from FareShare Sussex & Surrey, along with donations from Elm Grove parents are put on shelves in The Pantry, then a note is sent out to all the school’s parents and carers, inviting anyone, regardless of income, to visit and collect what they need.
Since May 2025, FareShare Sussex & Surrey has distributed nearly 5 tonnes of food to The Pantry, which is the equivalent of nearly 11,000 meals.
One parent who uses The Pantry shared:
“The Pantry takes away a huge amount of stress. Being able to choose food for my family, at school, without judgement, has helped us get through a really difficult time.”
Elm Grove School Parent
The Pantry is open daily at drop-off and pick-up, and crucially, no one knows whether parents and carers are donating goods or taking something for that
evening’s meal.
The Pantry serves as a lifeline, it ensures that children are not hungry at school or at home as well as alleviating some of the shame that some families felt, and while doing this it also reduces food waste being sent to landfill.
“The Pantry has made a real difference to our school community. Families feel supported rather than singled out, and we’ve seen positive changes in children’s wellbeing and readiness to learn. It’s become a vital part of how we look after our pupils.”
Ben, Head Teacher
Do you know of a school that would be interested in setting up a community pantry, please get in contact with Karola.