Finding welcome and dignity at CORE Pantry in Macclesfield
When one member of CORE Pantry arrived in the UK from Ukraine with her daughter, she was beginning again after losing her home during the war. She holds a PhD from Ukraine and hopes to become a college lecturer here after passing the relevant UK qualifications.
While rebuilding her life, everyday costs remain a challenge. She found out about CORE Pantry through other Ukrainians locally and began attending for practical support. Just as important has been the chance to meet people, talk and feel part of a community.
Her experience reflects what many members value. The Pantry offers affordable food and essentials, but also a friendly space where people are treated with respect and can make their own choices.
A reliable source of support
CORE Pantry supports over 200 member households, many in the Upton Priory area. Members include families with young children, older people on fixed incomes, people in work but still struggling with rising bills, and refugees building new lives in the UK.
The Pantry operates on the Your Local Pantry model. Members choose their own food in a shop-style setting rather than receiving a pre-packed parcel. For £3.50 membership, they select 15 items, with bread, fruit and vegetables provided free. Toiletries, period products and sometimes pet food are also available. Additional seasonal items are shared in the run up to Christmas and Easter.
In the last four months of 2025, the Pantry recorded 1,599 member visits, with 4931 in total in 2025 which supported 778 people, showing how vital steady, local support continues to be.
The difference your funding made
A £2,500 grant contributed to the salary of the Pantry Leader, helping to keep the service running consistently. The Pantry opens twice a week throughout the year, and members know they can rely on it.
The Pantry Leader coordinates volunteers and drivers, manages relationships with food suppliers and surplus collections, organises training such as food safety and first aid, and links members with visiting advice services.
A CORE Pantry representative said:
More than food
Alongside groceries, the Pantry offers a social space and regular visits from advice providers, including energy advisers and social prescribers. There is also an informal library of books and puzzles, and occasional donations of clothes.
The Pantry rescues surplus food from supermarkets, reducing waste while putting good food to use locally.
Thank you
Support from donors helps ensure CORE Pantry can continue offering a dependable place where people are treated with dignity, can choose what they need and feel part of a community. For many households, this steady presence makes a meaningful difference during difficult times.
