A NEW community pantry has opened in Tranent town centre.

Based in the Volunteer Centre East Lothian (VCEL) office on High Street, the new pantry aims to “complement” East Lothian Foodbank – which is also based in the town – by providing food and essentials to those in need.

Those who use the pantry will have access both to public donations and also to surplus supermarket food from Fareshare.

Both fresh and frozen items are available, alongside dried food and toiletries.

Launched on Monday, November 30, the community-run pantry is free, open to all and no referrals are needed. It is open Monday-Friday, 9.30am-noon.

It is overseen by VCEL, as well as the Pennypit Trust’s Fundamental Foods team and Fa’side Area Partnership.

VCEL said that the pantry would help those in need or who were financially struggling to reduce their shopping bills and allow them to free up money for other essentials, allowing those on tight budgets to let their money stretch further – something it said was especially helpful in the current climate.

Both the Pennypit Trust, which set up the pantry, and VCEL have seen an increase in demand for crisis food support since the coronavirus pandemic started.

Carrie Richmond, from Fundamental Foods, said: “It has been a difficult time for everyone, many people’s household budgets are under pressure, and Covid-19 has made pressures on households, especially low-income households, even greater. The pandemic has shown that local pantries are rapidly emerging in response.

“This pantry will complement the work of the local foodbank and can be a useful stepping stone, helping people reduce their food costs, feed themselves or their families, and keep more money in the household to pay other bills.

“It is stocked with a variety of food donated by the local community and uses surplus food from supermarkets such as Aldi and Farmfoods.

“It is a positive legacy from the emergency food hub that was set up at St Martin’s Church Hall during lockdown.

“We are extremely grateful to the community for their generous donations, especially Bisset & Steedman for a brand-new fridge/freezer, East Lothian Foodbank, VCEL for providing a welcoming space for the pantry and also Fa’side Community Kitchen (FCK) for providing fresh, homecooked meals.”

Maureen Allan, chief officer at VCEL, said: “It is a great privilege to work with the Pennypit Trust on this fantastic initiative.

“The community pantry is open to everyone in our community and we look forward to opening our building to more initiatives like this and to the communities in East Lothian.”

Those at the pantry are now appealing for donations as stocks are running low, with dried and tinned food items, toiletries and utility items all welcome. Examples of food items that can be donated include tinned fruit and vegetables, lentils, cooking oils, longlife milk, sugar, coffee, biscuits, jam, soup, fruit juice, tinned meals, cooking sauces, baby food and formula, fruit juice, and dog and cat food.

Toiletry and cleaning products such as toilet roll, wipes, washing powder, cleaning products, hair and body care, deodorant, toothbrushes and toothpaste are also welcome.

The pantry has a fridge and freezer so items such as milk, cheese, yogurts, meat products and other frozen goods can also be donated. Donations of carrier bags are also appreciated.

Those wishing to make cash donations can do so; the money will go towards the running of the pantry.

Those with any questions or wanting to offer their support are asked to call 07411 437836.