Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting the newly opened Burgess Hill & District Pantry at their new home in Market Place Shopping Centre. I was immediately met by their wonderfully bright, welcoming and well-organised space.

Several volunteers kindly showed me around, explaining how the pantry works and sharing stories of the people they support. Being situated in the shopping centre makes a huge difference. It means the pantry is accessible to local people who are facing circumstances in which this service can be a lifeline, helping them make ends meet. For those living alone, it provides not only affordable food but a point of connection and support.

Pantry manager Claire Fuller and her team have created something really special. Since opening in 2021, the pantry has supported 868 households and now has 275 members representing nearly 800 people across Burgess Hill, Haywards Heath, Hassocks and nearby villages. Volunteers collect food from Sussex supermarkets each week, preventing over 30,000kg of food from going to waste. And more than 18,000 baskets of shopping have left the pantry to date.

What struck me most during the visit was the commitment of everyone involved – from the 40 volunteers to the partners and funders who have helped make the relocation possible. Their new base is not just a practical move; it offers dignity, choice and support at a time when many households need it most.