Two community food services in Portsmouth, the Hilsea Mobile Pantry and the North End Pantry, are increasing their weekly membership fees from £5 to £6 starting 13 April 2026. Both services are operated by the North End Baptist Church and provide food options to residents living within the PO2 and PO3 postcodes.
For residents who attend the pantries weekly, the £1 increase will result in an additional annual cost of £52. According to Portsmouth City Council, members at these locations can typically choose a selection of food worth between £15 and £20 each week for their membership fee.
These pantries are part of the Your Local Pantry network, which is managed by Church Action on Poverty. The network operates over 120 pantries across the country, where members generally save approximately £27 per visit compared to traditional supermarket prices.
The North End Baptist Church previously operated a food bank for five years before transitioning to the current pantry model on 1 April 2021. This shift was intended to offer members more control and choice over the food they receive. Other forms of food support remain active in the city, including the Portsmouth Foodbank, which provided 7,030 emergency food parcels to people in crisis during 2024.
The price adjustment occurs amidst ongoing financial pressures for many local households. Data from the council indicates that 15 small areas in Portsmouth are among the 10 percent most deprived in England, with average weekly earnings in the city recorded at £468, which is lower than both the regional and national averages.
Residents are advised to check the official pantry listings for any further updates on services before their next visit.
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