There’s no time for resting on laurels at Sturminster Newton’s social supermarket
SO what is next for the Vale Pantry?
Well, in recent weeks, the charity has learned it will receive funding for a pantry manager who will run the shop for the next three years.
And another ambitious plan – to take the pantry further afield – is becoming a reality thanks to the special donation of a van, which it is hoped will be used to help those who cannot reach the shop.
More on that in the coming weeks – as well as news on opening hours.
“It’s important to know that our aims are always to see if we can get people back on their feet, while feeding them along the way, and since opening we have now been able to help well over 260 families back on their feet,” said trustee, Carole Jones.

Messages of thanks
As a testament to the work being done at the Vale Pantry, people have paid written to them and expressed their thanks.
Here are some of their messages:
“You all do a great job and are very kind and caring. You have made a huge difference to our lives since we met you all, not only for food but for the friendship you have shown us. And the support you have shown us. I can honestly say I look forward to coming to the pantry once a week to see you and feel surrounded by caring people.”

“Thank you so much for this morning. I was totally overwhelmed but also overjoyed at how wonderful the pantry is.
“We are so very grateful. You were all so welcoming and I can’t wait for next Thursday. Now I know where you are I’ll be on time!
“Thanks again from the bottom of my heart, I was quite emotional as I was cooking it all.”

“My husband has now had the last of his three surgeries and is 90 percent recovered. He has found some part time work and slowly getting back to normality.
“We would like to thank you so much for helping us through this very difficult time. I don’t know how we would have survived without your help, so thank you very much.
“Please pass our membership on to someone who needs it more.”

“Thank you for today. I really appreciate your kindness and welcoming team.
“I will try my best to attend the pantry as it’s lovely. When we left I felt calm and the girls kept saying how kind you guys are. Thank you so much.”

“We cannot thank you all enough for all you have done for us since we joined the pantry. You all have overwhelmed us with your passion and courage for the cause you work so hard to serve.
“We joined with worries that we would be looked down on, judged and ridiculed but our experience was far from that.
“You have all been there to support us through the lows and celebrate with us through the highs. You have made us laugh and you have made us cry. We cannot thank you enough for the friendship, compassion, respect and understanding that you have shown us and our children.”
To find out more about the Vale Pantry – and how you can help – log on to valepantry.co.uk.