Company Shop Group joined long-standing partner, Samworth Brothers, to support Leicester City Council’s half-term pop-up community pantries. The pantries helped those who normally receive free school meals by providing access to fresh and healthy food during the holidays.

19 pop-up community pantries were set up at sites across the city – including local schools, children’s centres, leisure centres, the King Power stadium and the Morningside Arena – where families were able to select a good food hamper and additional items from the community pantry.

Steph McGinty, Group Managing Director, Company Shop Group said:

 “Food insecurity remains a real concern, particularly during school holidays, so we were delighted to work with Leicester City Council and Samworth Brothers to support this activity. Ensuring people can access fresh and healthy food is vital so that they and their communities can thrive.”

Paula Gagin, Samworth Brothers Community Champion said: 

“It was quite a challenge, but we have some fantastic people who pulled out all the stops to make it happen. We are passionate about our role within our local communities and I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to support such a great initiative.”

Deputy city mayor Cllr Sarah Russell, who leads the city council’s anti-poverty agenda said:

“I’d like to thank the team at Samworth Brothers and Company Shop for helping us support thousands of young people and their families across the city with this important half-term initiative.”

Company Shop Group is committed to supporting Leicester and the surrounding area having opened a store and distribution centre in the city in 2020. Community Shop, the award-winning social enterprise from Company Shop Group, will be opening its next store in the Stocking Farm area of Leicester in April.