RFA is a volunteer-run community group based at Manor Court Community Centre in Barnsley. This hardworking group of volunteers provides support to villagers through its weekly Good Food Pantry and a full timetable of activities, including warm welcome sessions, bingo, wellbeing classes and community events.
Since 2023, RFA has accessed surplus food from FareShare Yorkshire to strengthen its food provision and widen the support available to older residents and families as well as individuals facing health and addiction challenges.
Supporting Local Residents Through the Good Food Pantry
The Royston Good Food Pantry was the first of its kind in Barnsley and opened in October 2023 amidst the Cost of Living Crisis. It provides a sustainable and affordable supply of basic food for local households, forming part of the wider community support delivered in partnership with Barnsley Council.
Over the past year, the Pantry has:
• Supported up to 40 households each week
• Offered a reliable mix of fresh, ambient and chilled products
• Enabled residents in hardship to access nutritious food at low cost
• Strengthened community connection through regular, welcoming sessions
In the first year of partnering with FareShare Yorkshire it received:
• 5.4 tonnes of surplus food rescued from 140 food sites via our Barnsley Centre
• Over £28,000 worth of food equivalent to 13,000 meals for the community
This weekly supply of surplus food has become a cornerstone of the Pantry’s offer, ensuring residents can access balanced, good quality food even when budgets are tight.
“Food from FareShare Yorkshire enables us to give out a proper meal. Advice given in developing our cooking skills means we’ll be able to spread even more what we offer. The team at FareShare Yorkshire is approachable, warm and easy to communicate with.”
Extending Support Across the Community
Volunteers report that access to fresh and varied food has:
• Helped households manage rising living costs
• Reduced pressure on isolated older residents and families
• Supported individuals navigating addiction or poor health
• Encouraged social connection through shared cooking and learning
• Enabled the Pantry to offer a more dignified, choice based experience
The partnership has also deepened community engagement, with residents increasingly participating in activities, wellbeing sessions and volunteering opportunities.
