A woman has set up a community pantry at the front of her house in Hull to help people who are struggling and needing food.
Sarah Dolan set up the Avenues and Dukeries Community Pantry using a cabinet donated by a Perth Street neighbour.
She said it was quickly filled with food and toiletries after an “amazing” response from the community.
Ms Dolan said: “How many people have just got stuff sat at the back of their cupboards? Rather than it going to waste, it might as well help someone who needs some food.”
On a sign made by her friends, the message on the cabinet reads: “Community Pantry: Please take what you need. Community is helping where we can”.
Items in the pantry so far include sanitary towels, baby food, teabags, dog food and beans.
Ms Dolan said she had seen a similar idea for a community pantry online which sparked her interest to set up her own.
After posting about the pantry on social media to let people know it was there, she said it “went a bit nuts”.
“Within five minutes of me putting it on Facebook, one of the neighbours was out putting stuff in it.
“In less than half a day, we must have had between about five to 10 people come and make donations.
“One person came who said she’s been struggling and this would really help her.”
She said: “It’s not me making it work, it’s the community. The response was just straight away.
“Everyone’s been amazing.
“One of the reasons I wanted to do this is it’s a no questions asked, no judgement, it’s just there if you need it.”
Ms Dolan said she wants other people to set up their own pantries to keep the momentum going.
Comments on Ms Dolan’s Facebook post about the pantry include “what a lovely idea” and “hope people won’t be greedy with it and take when they don’t need”.
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