Members Newsletter | Issue 5
Welcome
Hello and welcome to Peckham Pantry’s June Newsletter!
This month we will talk about how we support our ambassadors’ wellbeing and to mark their importance, especially as Volunteers’ Week took place this month from 1-7 June.
Don’t forget…
To support our pantry and support the value it brings to many, please consider donating to the pantry via the Bankuet QR code or link. The Pantry is able to provide affordable food shops for their members because of the kindness and generosity of volunteers and donors.
Thank you.
Temi Okudiya
Peckham Pantry Manager
Feature: Ambassador Wellbeing
Peckham Pantry relies on volunteer ambassadors to run the shop on a day-to-day basis alongside a small staff team. Many ambassadors are also members, playing a dual role at the Pantry.
Ambassadors enjoy the social role of volunteering and the chance to contribute to and be part of the wider community.
In January 2022, there were 27 ambassadors supporting with an average of 64 hours per week alongside a core team of Peckham Pantry Manager and Assistant Manager, overseen by Pecan CEO and back office staff.
Ambassadors play an important role in setting the atmosphere of the Pantry, creating a positive, friendly and collaborative environment. As well as sorting food deliveries and displaying food, ambassadors help members with purchasing decisions and offer informal tips on preparing different foods or encouragement to try new things.
“I remind members of how it works and help them with choosing products. Because sometimes they might not know what they want. So you have to let them know what’s there. For example, because of the variety thing, it’s good to point out certain things that are there and they think ‘’Ah yes, I hadn’t realised that!’’. […] in a way recommending certain things for them…” – Ambassador
Ambassadors enjoy the social role of volunteering and the chance to contribute to and be part of the wider community. This was a particularly strong motivation during the first year of Covid-19 restrictions, when fieldwork was carried out with ambassadors.
“It’s a happy atmosphere. They’re already like ‘’Hi!’’. They’re happy to see you and because now we’re like […] a little community”. – Member
“I remind members of how it works and help them with choosing products. Because sometimes they might not know what they want. So you have to let them know what’s there.”
– Ambassador
Finally, pantries provide an important sense of community through the local membership model. Those who go often will see familiar faces and get to know their fellow members, generating a feeling of camaraderie and togetherness. As well as members, volunteers have also benefited socially from being involved with the Pantry, making friendships with fellow volunteers and members. The shared space and sense of community that pantries have created in local areas have served as a springboard to other initiatives and ideas, such as cookery classes, volunteering opportunities, and training.
Ambassadors of the Month:
Claudia
Claudia joined the team last September 2022; she has contributed to the team and the community with her various skills on the shop floor providing excellent customer service and decanting food items when required. Claudia is clam, respectful, speaks with so much kindness and always ready to help.
She gives the Pantry about 8 hours weekly.
Dawn P
Dawn P joined Peckham Pantry in October 2022
Dawn P gives 4 hours weekly to the Pantry, she uses her skills excellently on the shop floor, bagging, sorting, and serving our customers with her great sense of humour. She is a great team player and very caring.
Dawn P is multi skilled generally and we are glad she is giving the Pantry her best.
School Holiday Volunteers needed
We need ambassadors during the school holidays, so our continuous service is not interrupted, and the pantry can remain open during these periods.
We want to hear from you if you:
- Understand the importance of having a friendly and welcoming approach
- Are calm, kind and have a flexible attitude
- Are a people person
- Have excellent communication, people skills
- IT skills (Not compulsory)
To register your interest, please email Peckham Pantry: Pantry@pecan.org.uk
Steering Group – Initial Meeting
Our Peckham Pantry Steering Group hosted their first Coffee Morning outside the pantry on Peckham Park Road this morning. Thanks for coming by to join us for a chat and some homemade lemonade and brownies!
The next Peckham Pantry Coffee Morning will be on Monday 10 July from 9.30-10.30am outside the pantry on Peckham Park Road. See you there!
For further information or any questions, please contact Flora on 07929 999 006.
Coming Soon …
We are collaborating with Southwark Council to support families locally to provide Healthy snack/options – it will come FREE with a customer’s shop.
More details coming soon.
Healthy Start
The Healthy Start card: Healthy Start is a national scheme. It provides money for healthy food and milk to pregnant women and families with children under four who get certain benefits. If you claimed it from pregnancy to your child’s fourth birthday, you could get over £1,000 per child to cover the cost of healthy food and milk.
Further information: Healthy Start Scheme
Peckham Pantry's June Recipe: Banana Ice Cream
It’s sunny and a nice bowl of ice cream wouldn’t be a bad idea. All the ingredients for this recipe can be found at the Pantry.
Ingredients:
o 4 ripe bananas, cut into chunks
o 3-4 tbsp milk
o 2 tbsp toasted flaked almonds
o 2 tbsp ready-made toffee or chocolate sauce.
Method
- Pop the banana chunks on a flat tray and cover well. Freeze for at least 1 hr, or until frozen through.
- When ready to eat throw the banana into a food processor and whizz until smooth with enough of the milk to achieve a creamy texture.
- Scoop into 4 bowls or glasses, then top with the sauce and nuts.
BBC Food - £1 Dinners
Pantry Opening Times
49-53 Peckham Park Road, SE15 6TU
- Monday- 9am - 4pm
- Tuesday- 11am - 4pm
- Wednesday- 9am - 4pm
- Thursday- 10am - 7pm
- Friday- 9am - 4pm
- Saturday- 9am - 15pm
- Sunday- Closed
St Lukes Church, Chandler Way, SE15 6DT
- Monday- Closed
- Tuesday- Closed
- Wednesday- 11am - 2pm
- Thursday - Closed
- Friday - Closed
- Saturday - Closed
- Sunday - Closed
Vacancies
If you would like to become a Pantry Ambassador then contact us at:
email: pantry@pecan.org.uk
tel: 020 7277 7075.
website: www.pecan.org.uk/peckham-pantry
