A church-supported food project that has served residents in Belton and Burgh Castle for 16 years is entering a new chapter. Belton Pantry, supported by All Saints Church, has handed responsibility for local foodbank provision to Gorleston Foodbank, a ministry of St Mary Magdalene Church, ensuring support continues for those facing hardship.
Led by Colin Chilvers, Belton Pantry has provided food, furniture and household items to residents in need, with a dedicated team regularly checking in on individuals and families and offering practical support.
After reviewing the long-term sustainability of the service, the pantry transferred responsibility for foodbank provision to Gorleston Foodbank, which is owned and run by St Mary Magdalene Church, Gorleston. The two organisations have worked closely together for many years through the Churches in Community network.
During its 16 years of service, Belton Pantry supported residents across Belton and Burgh Castle and, at times, neighbouring areas. Its remaining food stocks and funds have now been donated to Gorleston Foodbank.
Colin Chilvers said: “The dedicated team of packers and deliverers worked 24/7 to meet needs as they occurred. During Lockdown we were open seven days a week, with Great Yarmouth Borough Council collecting and delivering food from the various holiday camps, and even from Norwich City.”
Based at St Mary Magdalene Church, Gorleston Foodbank combines emergency food support with advice on debt, budgeting and benefits, while also connecting people with community groups and volunteering opportunities.
Anna Price, Foodbank Manager and Community Lead at St Mary Magdalene Church, said:
“We are privileged to serve residents in food crisis in Belton and Burgh Castle. However, it must be known that although we may be in a more sustainable position than Belton Pantry, the demand on our services is sadly increasing, along with the complexity of the needs of the whole person we seek to address.”
Gorleston Foodbank relies on volunteers and public donations to continue its work supporting people in food crisis across the area. To find out more about donating food, making a financial contribution or getting involved, visit the Gorleston Foodbank website: https://gorleston.foodbank.org.uk/support-us
Image credit: St Mary Magdalene Church