Celebrating the Newly Opened Burton Latimer Community Pantry!

Grocery bills are climbing, and sadly, food insecurity is still a real challenge for many people in the UK as we head into 2025. Amid this growing need, a staggering 9.5 million tonnes of food are wasted across the country every year. Even more alarming is that around 71% of this waste is still perfectly edible—highlighting a massive, often overlooked opportunity to combat both waste and hunger.

That’s where the Burton Latimer community pantry comes in—a ray of hope for the community, though it’s also a reminder of how much work still needs to be done.

When people hear about the Burton Latimer Community Pantry, it’s valid to ask the question: “Why do we even need this?” But for the Burton Latimer Community Managed Library and Hub, along with the Town Council, the bigger question is: “How can we help our neighbours access the food they need and make a meaningful difference?”

The pantry not only helps bridge the gap for families in need but also underscores a much larger issue: how much perfectly good food goes to waste while millions go hungry. It’s a wake-up call—and a starting point for real change.

How It All Started

The pantry idea came from one of our amazing staff members, who has personal experience with relying on food support when she was raising her newborn. Her strength and determination inspired us to take action and apply for Tesco’s Stronger Starts grant. Thanks to a £1,000 grant from Tesco, we were able to get the pantry up and running by setting up a storage room at the Harold Mason Centre to hold all the essential food we would be receiving.

Our Vision for the Pantry

The goal for this pantry is simple but powerful: to make sure those in need have access to the food they require. While we know the pantry won’t be able to feed everyone in Burton Latimer, we truly believe it can make a real difference by helping reduce hunger for many in our community. And that’s what keeps us going—knowing that we’re doing something tangible to support our neighbours and make a positive impact where it’s needed most. Every person we help motivates us to keep reaching out and doing more.

How It Works

At our pantry, we pride ourselves on maintaining a “no strings attached” approach to help those in need. All we ask is that visitors come in, fill out a simple form, and provide proof of residency in Burton Latimer. It’s our way of ensuring that the support goes to the right people, without any complicated procedures.

However, while we offer this open door, we maintain strict standards of respect within our community. We do not tolerate any form of abuse—whether it’s towards our pantry goods, our staff, or our dedicated volunteers. Our mission is to create a safe, welcoming environment for everyone, where kindness and respect are at the forefront.

The pantry is open every Wednesday from 09.30 to 12.30 and it is located inside Harold Mason Centre on High Street. The entry is at the back of the building.

Our partners

We’re so grateful for the incredible support we’ve received to keep the pantry running. Along with the generous £1,000 from Tesco’s Stronger Starts grant, we’re receiving donations from amazing partners like Keelings, Morrisons, and Weetabix. Keelings keeps us stocked with fresh fruit and vegetables every week, Morrisons helps with long-lasting grocery staples, and Weetabix supplies us with their tasty cereals. We truly appreciate everything they’ve done to help the Burton Latimer pantry thrive.

A huge thanks to Northants Telegraph as well for supporting us on our opening day and helping spread the word to even more people in the community!

Community Support at the Library

As well as our brand-new pantry, we’ve got a lovely little community hub right next to the Harold Mason Centre—at the Burton Latimer Community Hub and Library. It’s a welcoming space for everyone in town, whether you’re popping in for help with things like blue badges or housing advice, or just fancy a cuppa and a chat. There are games and activities for both kids and grown-ups, so come along and see what’s happening at the Burton Latimer Community Hub and Library—we’d love to see you!

The Road Ahead

We’ve seen a greater demand for the pantry than we originally anticipated, with more residents visiting each week. While it’s a reflection of the challenges many are facing, we’re proud to be able to support those in our community who are struggling to put food on the table. With the continued generosity of our partners and their donations, we’ve been able to keep up so far—and we’re hopeful that even more support will allow us to meet the growing need here in Burton Latimer.

How You Can Help the Pantry

If you want to get involved, there are plenty of ways you can contribute to the success of the pantry:

1. Donate – Whether it’s a can of soup or a box of pasta, every little bit helps. Non-perishable items and toiletries are always in demand.
2. Volunteer – Lend a hand sorting, stocking, or even helping at one of the pantry’s events. Your time can make a real difference.
3. Spread the Word – Let your friends and family know about the pantry. The more people who are aware, the more support can be gathered for this incredible cause.
4. Support Our Partners – Many businesses are working with the pantry to provide food and supplies. By supporting these businesses, you contribute to the pantry’s mission as well.

Final Thought

In our close-knit town of Burton Latimer—home to just over 10,000 residents—the new pantry at the Harold Mason Centre is already making a big difference. But this isn’t something that’s just sprung up overnight. Our wonderful library team, who’ve been supporting residents with food and essential resources long before the pantry officially opened, have been at the heart of this effort from the very beginning.

Now, with one of our dedicated library staff members leading the way, the pantry has grown into a fully-fledged community service—organised, welcoming, and built on genuine care. The Burton Latimer Library continues to be a driving force, not just lending a hand, but helping shape the way we support those in need.

Whether you’re seeking help or hoping to offer it, the pantry is here for you. And together—with kindness, teamwork, and a real sense of community—we’re making sure no one in Burton Latimer must face these challenges alone.