Here at Reading Gateway Church, we want to do all we can to help those who are struggling with the current cost of living crisis. To this end, we have teamed up with Faith Christian Group to open a community food pantry in the church at our St Barnabas site.

We are open every Thursday afternoon from 1-4 pm. Members pay £5 per weekly shop saving up to £15- £20 per week. You can choose from a wide variety of chilled, frozen and store cupboard items to take home with you. We also stock seasonal items as appropriate e.g. in the run-up to Christmas, Easter and during the 'back to school' season. 

If you arrive early, we have a free coffee morning that runs in our hall on Thursdays from 11 am to 1 pm in our hall which is run by our Parish Nursing Team.

Everyone who comes is welcome to stay for a free cup of tea/coffee and a piece of cake in the church too. We have a small range of toys available for preschoolers to play with while you’re shopping.  We can also signpost you to other services as required. Our team will make you feel welcome and at home. 

Criteria for becoming a member of our pantry: 

• You must live within a 2-mile radius of St Barnabas Site (RG6 5TS) (although certain exceptions are made)
• You may not be registered with another Your Local Pantry - though you can swap to ours from another one if it is more convenient for you. 
• You must be on a low income, receive benefits, or be 'just about managing' your income. (If you are in crisis and have no food, we can refer you to the local food bank instead). 

If you'd like to become a member, either click here to register to become a member or visit our pantry on a Thursday and we will help you to complete a membership form. 

If you would like to become a volunteer or know more about our St Barnabas Pantry, click here to Your Local Pantry or email admin@stbarnabaspantry.org.uk or call the Reading Pantry Coordinator at 0118 987 2672