What is a Community Food Pantry?

A community food pantry is an innovative community supermarket model that offers the opportunity to purchase food and household items at significantly reduced prices. Unlike food banks, this model is membership-based, where members pay a small weekly fee to select from a variety of food items.

Food pantries work with retailers, suppliers, and organisations like FareShare to source surplus, near-expiry but still safe-to-eat products, or to reduce costs through bulk purchasing. This model not only helps people access affordable food but also reduces food waste, creating sustainable community solutions.

Community Food Pantries offer:

  • Low-cost food: Members pay a small weekly fee (typically £3.50 to £5) to select food worth £15-£20.
  • Variety of choices: A range of fresh fruit, vegetables, frozen food, tinned goods and dry food.
  • Community environment: A friendly, dignified shopping experience that fosters community connections.
  • Additional support: Many pantries also offer cookery classes, financial advice and community activities.

Difference Between Food Pantries and Food Banks

Community Food Pantry
Food Bank
Access
Membership-based, small fee
Referral-based, usually free
Duration
Long-term use
Short-term emergency aid
Food selection
Members choose preferred items
Typically pre-packed food parcels
Community involvement
Emphasises community building
Primarily focuses on emergency food needs

Community Food Pantries in Leeds

Here are the main community food pantries in Leeds:

Middleton Community Pantry

📍 St Cross Church, Middleton Park Avenue, LS10 4HX
📞 0113 270 6903
🕒 Opening times: Wednesday 10:00-14:00, Friday 10:00-13:00
💰 Membership: £3.50 per week for approx. £15 worth of food
ℹ️ Offers fresh and tinned food, cooking demonstrations and community café.

Bramley Community Pantry

📍 Bramley Community Centre, Waterloo Lane, LS13 2JB
📞 0113 236 1847
🕒 Opening times: Tuesday & Thursday 10:00-14:00
💰 Membership: £4 per week for approx. £20 worth of food
ℹ️ Partners with FareShare, offers diverse food options and community activities.

Seacroft NEST Community Pantry

📍 The Old Fire Station, South Parkway, LS14 6QB
📞 0113 273 1909
🕒 Opening times: Monday & Wednesday 11:00-15:00
💰 Membership: £3.50 per week for approx. £15 worth of food
ℹ️ Also provides debt advice, employment support and community kitchen projects.

Harehills Community Pantry

📍 Harehills Community Centre, Harehills Lane, LS9 6NL
📞 0113 240 6677
🕒 Opening times: Tuesday & Friday 09:30-13:30
💰 Membership: £5 per week for approx. £20 worth of food
ℹ️ Multicultural pantry offering international foods and cooking skill-sharing.

Leeds Community Food Pantries Map

This map shows all community food pantry locations in Leeds:

Leeds Community Food Pantries Map

Note: This is a sample map image. The actual version would use an interactive map.

How to Become a Member

Community food pantry membership is generally open to all local residents, particularly those looking to reduce food costs. Here are the typical steps to join:

1

Find your nearest food pantry

Use the list or map above to locate your closest community food pantry.

2

Contact or visit the pantry

Get in touch or visit during opening hours to enquire about membership.

3

Complete a membership form

Fill out a simple membership form, usually requiring basic contact details and household size.

4

Pay membership fee and start shopping

Pay the weekly membership fee (typically £3.50-£5), then you can select food and join community activities.

Important Note

Some community food pantries may have membership restrictions or waiting lists depending on local demand and resources. We recommend contacting your preferred pantry in advance to check current membership availability.

How to Support Community Food Pantries

If you'd like to support community food pantries, there are several ways to help:

  • Volunteer to help sort stock, assist members or organise activities
  • Donate food or funds to support pantry operations
  • If you're a local business, consider partnering with pantries to provide surplus food
  • Help raise awareness about pantry work in your community
  • Share your expertise, such as offering cookery classes or financial advice

To learn more about supporting community food pantries, contact your local pantry or get in touch for advice.