Bradford school opens pantry to help struggling families

Whetley Academy, on Whetley Lane, opened a pantry to serve struggling parents and carers of children in its school community.

Whetley Academy schoolchildren stock the shelves of their new pantry (Image: Newsquest)

A tweet by the school this week said: "We are so excited to be able to support the community at a tough time for everyone."

Project leader Aneela Mahmood, a representative of the school, said: "The Venturists came in and ran a project for 10 weeks. One of the Year 6 groups wanted to offer affordable food, so they wanted to create a pantry that was open to the school community, including the parents and carers.

"The children wanted to do what they could to help and make the community healthy."

Whetley Academy launched a school pantry (Image: Newsquest)

In addition to The Venturists, organisations such as Inn Churches and businesses such as supermarket Patson Local got involved and made donations of fresh produce, meats, dairy and toiletries.

"They wanted to collaborate with us to help the community and we'd like to thank everyone who has helped us in this venture.

"This could have a big impact on families who have been struggling since Covid."

Although is not free, for £6 people can buy a selection of 15 items from the shelves.

"It's cheap and affordable, said Ms Mahmood. There are many are surplus foods."

Whetley Academy schoolchildren have been working on a project to launch a pantry (Image: Newsquest)

"The launch on Wednesday morning was quite successful.

"The parents in the community are pleased and impressed with how affordable it is.

"We're going to continue this every Wednesday."

"I was absolutely delighted to have attended the launch of the Pantry at Whetley Academy," said Cllr Fozia Shaheen. "This is an amazing initiative which is much needed in the community.

"It's a real shame that people have to choose between fuel and food, so such initiatives are very much appreciated and welcomed.

Whetley Academy children launched a pantry this week (Image: Newsquest)

"It's amazing to see partner organisations such as Inn Churches and many others supporting, however, I would encourage local businesses to also get involved so we can help and support as many people as possible."

Inn Churches tweeted: "By choosing to open a Food Savers Pantry at Whetley Academy, you are setting the best possible example for schools across the country in helping families through tough times. Thank you for this inspiring work."

The Venturists tweeted: "I am so proud of these Venturists. What a fabulous youth social action project developing the first Food Savers …ever in a school! A fabulous sustainable project helping their community."

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Sign up to our newsletter to get updates sent straight to your inbox.

You can also call us on 01274 705292.