The Peckham Pantry was featured on the BBC last week for the steadfast support it has given to the local community.
The community store, which is located on Peckham Park Road, offers heavily discounted food for anyone who needs it.
“The key point of the BBC interview was to raise awareness about the existence of the Pantry,” said manager and Peckham-local Temi Okudiya.
“People inherently think it is meant for specific people, those on benefits or who are destitute, but there are so many people with empty plates on their tables.”
“So many local families are working, and after they pay bills and rent, they struggle for the rest of the month,” she added.
A weekly shop at the pantry costs a fixed fee of £4.50, yet gives people the opportunity to purchase at least £15 worth of food.
Fresh, high-quality products are on offer, alongside canned and frozen goods.
The Peckham Pantry has seen more customers than ever coming through its doors, since the BBC feature.
“People actually got the message that it is open to everyone, rather than thinking we are a food bank,” says Temi. “When you need us, you can just walk into the pantry and get what you need.”
Now Temi says 60 people on average are using the shop – some days 90 – with thousands of members registered on their system.
Some use the pantry every day, others once a week and more still when they are desperate, said Temi who described herself as having a passion for food and security.
One of the main ideas behind the pantry was to allow people to choose what they need, rather than having foods chosen for them as is the case at most food banks.
Temi saw this as important to give people “dignity”, alongside the inclusiveness of the shop.
She expected more people to shop at the pantry, due to the current cost of living crisis.
“These energy price increases will hit people’s pockets hard. We cannot help with energy but we can help with food. We are here for people.”
The Peckham Pantry began at St. Luke’s Church in 2016, expanding on to Peckham Park Road just before Covid.
It is supported by the Christian charity Pecan, but has additional funding from small businesses.
They plan to expand the project with more stores planned for the Kingswood Estate in Dulwich.
“We want to open more pantries closer to people, especially for those who cannot travel. Then they can stay in their community.”
Temi was optimistic for the future of the pantry: “We are growing and more people are coming. We want more people to come,” she added.