Community Pantry

Coxhoe & Area Community Pantry & Foodbank

Opening times:

  • Monday – 9.30am – 10.30am

  • Thursday – 5.00pm – 6.00pm

First opened on 11th March 2021, the Community Pantry & Foodbank has celebrated its 5th birthday in March 2026, serving Coxhoe and surrounding villages. We are grateful to all who set up this Pantry and Foodbank and who have worked during those years to make it the place it is today.

East Durham Rural Corridor AAP provided the initial grant of £11,000 to set up the Foodbank and Pantry. Thanks to other grants, we have a dedicated store room in the Village Hall. We are grateful to the Parish Councillors, Trustees and caretakers at the VIllage Hall for their continuous support over the years.

 

More than a Foodbank – How does it operate?
  • No referral is needed. It is open to anyone who needs a little extra help. The service is confidential and non-judgemental
  • An envelope is provided so that those who are able may leave a donation to help us
  • A menu of choices of tinned, packet and refrigerator goods can be filled in. We ask for a name and postcode so we know we are helping people from all areas
  • An ever-changing choice of baked goods, fruit and vegetables which are still good to eat but which would have gone to landfill are set out for you to choose from. We encourage everyone to come and share these. In warm weather, volunteers set up a table outside the Village Hall for passers-by to benefit and to learn about the Foodbank
  • We are also a Warm Spaces Hub where everyone can share in coffee, cake and chat. Drop in and meet new people during the times of the Foodbank opening.
  • Support is available from Cornforth Partnership and Social Prescribing
Where does the food come from?

Tinned and packet food is purchased with grants; the latest being £500 each from the Neighbourhood Budgets of two of our local County Councillors – Mayor Gary Hutchinson, and Councillor Jan Blakey.

We aim to redistribute perfectly good food which would otherwise have gone to landfill but is still fresh to eat.

Volunteers collect from Coxhoe Co-op, Bowburn Co-op, Sainsburys at Sedgefield, Gilesgate Road and Newcastle Road, and Aldi at Pit Lane, the local travelling vegetable salesman, and Fare Share, for which we pay a delivery charge and who provide us with most of our vegetables.

We have built up healthy relationships with the staff of these stores.

Coxhoe Primary School donate the produce given at their annual harvest festival. In season we receive surplus produce from gardeners and allotment holders. Donations of cans and packets can be left at the Active Life Centre and the Village Hall.

Our Volunteers

Our volunteers are hard working people who give generously of their time in setting up the Hall, serving customers, or working behind the scenes. They come from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences which makes them sympathetic listeners, always happy to help. We ask that they are treated with respect. At the moment we have our full complement of volunteers, but you can leave contact details with us for future reference.

How can you help?
  • When you are able, please make a monetary donation for the goods you receive, to enable us to keep providing the service
  • Tell friends and neighbours about us. It is always sad to hear the phrase “I didn’t know about this”.
  • Spread the word in the areas we cover: Coxhoe, Bowburn, Quarrington Hill, Cassop, Kelloe and beyond
  • Come and take some of the surplus bread and vegetables
  • Come and visit us and learn more over tea and coffee
  • Donate tins and dried goods
  • Bring your own bags when possible

One of our volunteers summed up what the Foodbank and Pantry are all about:

“We are addressing food waste one step at a time. We serve tea and coffe and provide a warm space for residents of Coxhoe and the local area. It’s a place full of friendly volunteers who are always happy to help. Come and visit us to learn more.”

If you can donate… please use our shopping list to do so…
  • Tinned items such as: tune, ham, tinned meat, hot dogs, meatballs, soup, fruit, vegetables, beans, spaghetti
  • Jars of jam, cooking sauces, sandwich spreads
  • Packet foods, including: rice, pasta, biscuits, sugar
  • Coffee, tea, long life milk, hot chocolate
  • Cleaning items such as cloths, polish, antibacterial sprays
  • Toiletries including: deoderant, toothpatse, toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, soap, toilet rolls
  • Sanitary products
  • Washing powder, washing up liquid
  • Baby items: nappies, baby wipes, baby shampoo
  • Pet items: cat and dog food

Community Pantry Vision, Mission Statement and Values

We have set out the vision, mission statement and values of the community pantry as follows:

Vision

Everyone in Coxhoe and its surrounding area will have access to good food and by alleviating food wastage we will all help to protect the environment.

Mission

Working for the benefit of our community, we will work with partners and stakeholders to offer a fit for purpose volunteer operated food resource centre, sourcing and sharing surplus affordable food with those currently experiencing food insecurities, and enabling everyone involved to help our environment by supporting a reduction in food waste

Values

Compassion in all interactions and activities – demonstrating inclusivity, commitment, respect, honesty, reliability and prudence

Appreciation of every contribution – whether from volunteers and their diverse talents, partners and their services, or donations offered – and actively listening, learning and responding to evolving needs to ensure our service is fit for purpose and sustainable

Accountability – we will be transparent and maintain the public trust through the efficient and effective use and stewardship of the resources entrusted to us, and we are mindful that our mission is accomplished through the generosity of others

Commitment – to providing a fit for purpose, ever evolving and sustainable service to meet the needs of our local community and effectively utilise community support to sustain our work

Protection of our environment wherever we can by helping prevent food wastage

Further information

Further details will appear here as and when things develop. If you have any queries regarding the Community Pantry please contact us by email – pantry@coxhoevillagehall.com