Nourishing Futures, Strengthening Communities: The Dunkirk Mobile Pantry
25 Mar 2026
Children arrive at school each morning carrying more than just their bags and books.
For many families in Nottingham, the day begins with careful decisions about what can be afforded, what can be stretched, and what might have to wait.
When access to nutritious food is uncertain, it creates worry, impacts wellbeing, and adds quiet pressure to everyday life. In a city where nearly half the population experiences food insecurity and a third lives in deprived areas, the need for consistent, affordable food is not abstract. It is a harsh reality for many households.
At FareShare Midlands, we are always looking for ways to reach more people with good food. This is particularly important in food deserts – areas where support is limited or difficult to reach. In 2025, we launched 4 mobile pantries across Nottingham to pilot a model that brings food directly into the heart of communities.
One of these pilots is a Community Pantry set up at Dunkirk Primary School in Lenton. Each week, the school grounds buzz with chatter and excitement to see what foods are available. Families can access a range of surplus food through a simple £5 contribution - giving them choice and dignity. Set within a trusted and familiar environment, the pantry is a safe and consistent space for parents to plan their week with greater confidence, knowing that fresh and essential food will be available.
In five months, the pantry has supported around 40 families each week, with more than 550 visits recorded. Each visit representing a household being able to make thoughtful choices about providing for their children.
The weekly offer includes chilled, frozen and ambient food, with around half of the food available being fresh produce, typically including four to five varieties. For families, this means access to a wider range of ingredients that support balanced meals, helping ensure that children receive the nutrition they need to learn, grow, and thrive.
The importance of this provision is reflected in the voices of those who use it.
“I am thoroughly impressed by the quality and variety of food available. The support provided through this weekly service has been immensely helpful to me financially, and I am sincerely grateful.”
“This is such a fantastic idea and helps me so much with cost of living and feeding my family thank you so much.”
“Thanks a lot, it is amazing”
The pantry is about more than convenience. Users talk about relief, reassurance, and being able to feed their children with greater security each week.
The school itself has also recognised the wider role the pantry plays within the community.
“This is a fantastic way to support our families. It goes beyond simply providing access to affordable food by creating a welcoming and inclusive space where parents can come into school, connect with the head and support staff, and feel part of the community. It’s also a valuable opportunity to engage with and support the wider community. The variety of nutritious fruit and vegetables on offer is excellent.”
For many families, the pantry is a place to connect. It creates opportunities for informal conversations, strengthens relationships, and builds trust between families and staff. Over time, this consistency helps position the school as a supportive hub where community ties are reinforced alongside practical assistance.
The Community Pantry also plays a powerful role in reducing food waste by utilising surplus food that would otherwise go unused. By redirecting this food into the community, the model supports both environmental responsibility and social need. The £5 contribution per shop helps to cover operational costs, contributing to the sustainability of the service while keeping it accessible to the families who rely on it.
Dunkirk Primary School demonstrates how a locally embedded pantry can support families in a meaningful and sustainable way. It provides more than access to food. It offers dignity, and reassurance in a setting that families know and trust.
Each weekly shop represents a small but important step in helping households provide nutritious food for their children, easing pressure and creating a sense of stability that carries beyond the pantry itself.
