A Sheffield community pantry says it has people queuing outside waiting for food a year after it was launched.

The S12 Community Pantry in first started in February 2023 as a stockist for the Just Meals scheme run by FoodWorks, a non-profit organisation dedicated to tackling food waste. 

The frozen meals offer a healthy alternative to the traditional ready meal for £1. 

The pantry has since expanded its services after popular demand and is located at the Scowerdons community centre. 

A spokesperson for the pantry said: “We quickly realised that more help around food was needed in the area and founded the S12 community pantry.

“We now have people queuing outside waiting for us to open.”

It officially opened its doors to the public in April 2023, offering a social cafe on Tuesday mornings with free refreshments and a safe space to talk.

The weekly social cafe is still running and open to the public on Tuesdays between 9.30am and 12.30pm.

Ellie England, from Intake, said: “It’s such a non-judgemental environment, nobody is asked to prove financial situations. 

“It really is there for the community and genuinely without the pantry I don’t know where we would be.”

Since its opening, the pantry has received help from local supermarkets like the Co-op, supplying them with surplus food donations.

The organisation is also part of various food distribution schemes which provide donations for their social cafes and food parcels. 

The pantry has hosted several events to raise funds for its services including a Christmas market last year with stalls and a Santa’s grotto. 

A volunteer at the pantry said: “It’s important to us that we are accessible to all and money should not be a barrier to accessing our services.”

Food parcels were also available to collect for those in need to help them through the festive period. 

Ms England added: “At Christmas, there must have be 50 parcels in the community centre ready to help.

“You don’t feel like you’ve had a handout, it’s genuine help.”

Those who attend the pantry can seek further support with visits from a Crystal Peaks housing officer and city councillor Denise Fox from the Birley ward each month.

The pantry will be celebrating its one year anniversary on 6 May and the Lord Mayor of Sheffield is expected to attend the event. 

To find out more about the pantry or help with donations, visit the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089981987160