South Cambridgeshire groups can now apply for funding to set up community pantries, thanks to a new grant launched by the District Council.
The Community Pantry Grant offers up to £400 to buy equipment and materials to get a community pantry up and running. The new grant is part of a £449,000 package of support to tackle cost-of-living challenges over a 2-year period until March 2028, which was agreed by South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Cabinet at the end of 2025.
Pantries of this type are simple, community‑run spaces that provide residents with free access to food and everyday essentials, helping to tackle food insecurity while also reducing food waste. They are generally accessible, do not usually require staffing, and are maintained by the community.
The grant can be used for items such as shelving, indoor or outdoor storage, small venue adaptations, fridges or freezers, advertising, or other essential costs needed to start a pantry or expand an existing food hub to include one.
Eligible applicants include:
- Parish and Town Councils
- Constituted community groups with a bank account
- Informal groups with written support from their Parish or Town Council or District Councillor.
£5,000 has been allocated this year up to 31 March 2027, or until all funds are allocated. Applications will be assessed by Council officers. A further £5,000 will be available next year, depending on demand for the scheme.
Visit www.scambs.gov.uk/community-pantry-grant to apply.
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Healthy Communities, Cllr Dr. Lisa Redrup, said: “Community pantries are simple but powerful projects - they give residents reliable access to food and essentials, help cut waste and bring neighbours together. By launching this grant, we’re giving local groups the resources they need to get these ideas off the ground quickly and confidently. We know our communities care deeply about supporting one another, and this funding is designed to make it easier for them to do just that.
The Community Pantry Grant is part of the Council's £449,000 Cost of Living Programme which aims to support vulnerable households by expanding access to emergency food and energy support, building financial resilience by delivering workshops on budgeting and debt advice and continuing community partnerships to provide coordinated support.”
A total of £5,000 is available to fund at least 12 community pantries across South Cambridgeshire. Applicants can contact duty.communities@scambs.gov.uk for clarification or advice. Additional support for groups unfamiliar with bid writing is available from Cambridge Council for Voluntary Service via 01223 464 696 or enquiries@cambridgecvs.org.uk
View all news