Purpose

On 26 February 2026, the Grants Advisory Committee received a proposal to create a Community Pantry Grant scheme as part of the Council’s Cost-of-Living programme.  £5,000 is to be set aside for this scheme to the end of March 2027.

The scheme is to support community food pantry initiatives across the district as part of the Council’s ongoing sustainable food work. Groups in South Cambridgeshire can apply for up to £400 for capital start-up costs, with officers judging applications to ensure a quick turnaround. The assessment will be based on the scheme criteria, including:

1. Whether the applicant is an eligible body

2. Whether the application is for eligible items
3. Whether the application includes a breakdown of costs, and includes the total project cost.

Sign off of each grant is delegated to either the Service Manager for Comms and Communities, or the Communities Manager. 

Grants Advisory Committee recommended at the time that the scheme be set up in accordance with the proposal.  This decision sheet formalises and re-confirms the decision taken at the time by the then Lead Member for Resources.

Decision

To accept the recommendations of the Grants Advisory Committee (see above).

Reasons for the decision

The proposal for a Community Pantry Grant is in line with the Council’s ongoing commitment to offering Cost of Living support to residents.  It is in line with the Councils further commitments to sustainable food initiatives.

Alternative options considered

To reject or vary the recommendations of the Grants Advisory Committee.