Russell’s Pantry, based within Russell Hall Primary School, is a food initiative in which families can access an array of support.

Around 15 to 20 families benefit from the food pantry each week and not only do they leave with bags of ingredients to create delicious recipes, but they are also able to take recipe cards that go alongside their ingredients for inspiration.

They receive an array of different items from FareShare Yorkshire, including; meat, fruit, vegetables, breakfast items and drinks. Families are able to request extra food when needed, and Claire Hargrave, Family and Pupil Liaison Officer/Deputy DSL, says they are just seeing more and more families using their services because of the Cost of Living Crisis.

“It has a positive impact on our families,” says Claire, “Providing them in the way that we do it means we are also encouraging healthy eating, cooking together, plus helping children to learn more about food and how to prepare, cook and try new foods that their parents may not normally buy.”

The pantry is already seeing the positive feedback from the parents come into play too, as the children are more open to trying new things and they enjoy the cooking experience.