Spotlight on Food Banks & Pantries
Founded in 1995 in Long Eaton, Canaan Trust began as a small local effort to tackle homelessness and has blossomed into a vibrant, community-driven charity.
Today, they are all about giving practical help and hope to those who need it most, working not just to ease immediate struggles, but also to break the cycles that keep people in hardship.
One of the most visible ways they make a difference is through their food bank, it is open seven days a week from 8 AM to 8 PM no referrals, no barriers, just support when you need it. Every week, they share 80–100 food parcels, each packed with enough for three days of meals to offer short-term relief.
In addition, when Christmas comes around, they go the extra mile with festive food parcels for over 200 families and individuals, making sure no one feels forgotten during the festive period.
Their work thrives thanks to the incredible generosity of their community, from Harvest Festival donations to surplus food networks and the dedication of volunteers who give their time and energy, some up to 70 hours a week, to make sure that if there is a need, we find a way to meet it. At the heart of everything we do is a holistic approach. Recently, a mum came to them for food and toiletries. They did not stop there, they helped her tackle benefit issues, rent arrears, and debt. With their support, her benefits were sorted, a rent plan agreed, and debts cleared. Today, the family is back on track and rebuilding their lives.
Want to be part of this story? Find out how you can help Canaan Trust here.
Eckington Pantry has been a vital part of the community for over three years, operating from Eckington Business Centre, Market Street, Eckington, S21 4JH. They are open every Wednesday from 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM. Membership costs £2.00 to join, and each shop visit is £5.00. Currently, they support 150 members, with around 35 shoppers per week.
The pantry provides more than just affordable groceries—it has created a community hub where friendships form, and support is always available. Volunteers and shoppers alike have built strong connections, turning a simple shopping trip into a chance to chat, share experiences, and receive guidance. The pantry also signposts users to essential services, including Derbyshire Unemployed Workers Centre (DUWC) for benefit support and Citizens Advice for additional assistance.
Community support has been incredible! Recently, a café owner referred a gentleman in need, who now shops regularly. Volunteers not only help carry his groceries home but have also connected him with DUWC and a local over-60s club, improving his quality of life.
Looking ahead, Eckington Pantry is working on new initiatives, including “Boredom Busters”—free activity days with lunch for children during school holidays—and weekly breakfast bags for families in the summer.
Follow them for updates: Facebook.com/eckingtoncommunitypantry
In the heart of Chesterfield, within St. Augustine’s Church on Derby Road, you’ll find Gussies Pantry. Every Wednesday, from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM (with a short break between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM for restocking), this volunteer-led initiative opens its doors to support those in the community facing food insecurity.Run entirely by dedicated volunteers, Gussies Pantry is more than just a food resource—it’s a place where people find support, understanding, and a sense of belonging. With over 180 members and more than 80 shoppers visiting each week, the pantry plays a crucial role in ensuring that no one in the community goes without essential food supplies.
The support extends beyond groceries. Gussies Pantry connects individuals with vital services, including the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB), tenancy support, P3, and more. Whether someone needs guidance with housing, benefits, or personal challenges, the pantry serves as a bridge to essential resources that help people regain stability.
As a registered charity, Gussies Pantry thrives on the generosity of volunteers and donors, proving that when a community comes together, incredible things happen. Every person who walks through its doors is treated with dignity and respect.
If you or someone you know could benefit from the pantry’s services, or if you’d like to get involved and help make a difference, stop by on a Wednesday or reach out to learn more. Gussies Pantry is also working to source culturally appropriate foods—if you can help, please consider donating.
To learn more about Gussies Pantry, visit:[https://www.gussieskitchenpantryshop.com/](https://www.gussieskitchenpantryshop.com/
A Testament to Gussies Pantry’s Impact
A woman arrived at Gussies Pantry with a referral slip from Chesterfield Food Bank. She had recently moved to the country to be with her husband and children, but tragedy struck shortly after her arrival.
After listening to her story, we provided support by referring her to the Derbyshire Law Centre for guidance on her rights and the necessary steps she needed to take. We also supplied her with food and contacted DCC Admissions to assist with her son’s education.
