Autumn Budget: Mid Sussex food pantry tackles cost-of-living crisis

Chancellor John Healey has announced his first budget, aiming to create a ‘breathing space for the cost-of-living’.

He announced a suspension of tariffs on more than 100 products alongside winter support for families, under which households in council tax bands A to D in England will receive a ‘household energy payment’.

For many charities, the announcement provides some relief and underscores the widespread hardship they have been battling for years.

Burgess Hill and District Pantry, based in The Market Place Shopping Centre, is a community charity dedicated to tackling food poverty across Mid Sussex.

The service, ran by mostly volunteers, provides longer-term solution’s for families and individuals with a range of support services, including energy advice, health and wellbeing initiatives, and signposting to other sources of help.

The charity currently supports 285 households, giving members access to affordable food in an environment that offers as close to a normal shopping experience as possible.

Alongside emergency food support, the pantry also delivers a substantial environmental benefit, having saved and redistributed more than 120,000kg of food from going to landfill over the past three years.

Following the announcement of the government’s latest Budget, the charity is now urging businesses across Mid Sussex to step forward to help secure its future and support hundreds of local families hit hard by the cost of living.

Despite Mid Sussex being ranked among the country’s most affluent districts, pantry manager Claire Muller pointed out that ‘pockets’ of deprivation in the community often go unnoticed.

Claire has thanked local groups, churches, schools and individuals for their donations throughout the year.

"We get amazing donations from our community which are invaluable to us”, said Claire.

“...It's amazing food, it allows us to offer our members some really high quality and interesting food and it makes a huge difference to the diets of the people that are using the pantry.

"If you'd like to support the pantry we would love anybody who can help us with donated items or financially we would love some local businesses to come in and give us a hand.”

Burgess Hill and District Pantry has launched a Business Partnership Appeal, inviting local firms to help tackle food poverty by donating funds, goods, or professional services.

Highlighting the challenge, the manager warned of unprecedented pressure on the service, with hundreds of residents on the waiting list.

As household expenses are expected to surge through the winter, the charity is urging the local business community to step forward with vital support.

Mustak Miah, Mid Sussex District Councillor for Dunstall Ward and a local business owner in Burgess Hill said: “The Pantry is a real asset to Burgess Hill and the wider community. It supports hundreds of local households, and when you include family members and children, its reach extends to many more people.

“As a local business owner myself, I understand the challenges businesses face, but I also know how important it is for local businesses to support the community where they operate.

“I would encourage businesses across Mid Sussex to get in touch with the Pantry to see how they can help, whether through financial support, food donations, professional services or volunteering. Every contribution can make a difference in helping this valuable community service continue.”

To find out more contact [email protected] or visit www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk.