Across the National School Pantry Network, schools are using their funding in creative, practical ways that give families choice, dignity and support when it matters most. At Morley Victoria Primary School, NSPN funding is helping provide a thriving school pantry that supports families with everyday food essentials while creating opportunities for children to be part of the solution.
Model: Pantry
Focus: Choice, dignity and family support
At Morley Victoria Primary School, NSPN funding is being used to provide a pantry on the playground at the end of the school day. The pantry is run by a member of staff alongside a team of pupils, creating a welcoming and accessible space where families can collect food as part of their daily routine.
To ensure support reaches as many families as possible, the school promotes a simple “Three for Free” approach, allowing families to choose three items each visit. The pantry is well used, with parents and children often discussing together what they will take home for tea.
“She wanted beans for tea and I didn’t have any.”
“Jacket potato and beans, that’s tea sorted.”
“Are look, they’ve got pasta and sauce, you love that.”
The pantry is designed to provide practical support while maintaining choice and dignity, helping families access everyday essentials without stigma.
Choice: Driven by Family Needs
The school offers a wide range of pantry staples including cereals, bread, pasta, rice, beans and pasta sauce. Fresh fruit is always available because pupils told staff it was important to them. Recent favourites have included grapes, blueberries and apples.
The pantry has also introduced more wholemeal products and pulses such as chickpeas, helping families access nutritious, affordable ingredients. Staff provide recipe ideas and suggestions for families who may be unfamiliar with certain foods.
“I’ve started adding chickpeas to curry, like you said – it makes it go further.”
“My Mum makes falafel with them. They are so nice.”
The school also ensures gluten-free options are available for families who need them.
“I’ve come for my gluten-free pasta – thank you.”
Beyond Food Provision: Creating Opportunities
The impact of the pantry extends far beyond food. Staff recognise that many families face difficult financial choices, particularly when it comes to school trips and residential visits.
By helping reduce household food costs, the pantry enables families to use their limited resources elsewhere, ensuring children do not miss out on important experiences and opportunities.
As Assistant Headteacher Kevin Precious explains:
“We’ve been able to give families a bag of shopping so that they can use the money they would have spent on food to make a financial contribution towards a residential – no one wants a child to miss out.”
Impact Highlights
- Supports families with everyday food essentials in a dignified way
- Gives children an active role in helping their school community
- Provides fresh fruit, healthy staples and specialist dietary options
- Encourages families to try new, affordable ingredients
- Helps ease financial pressure on households
- Enables more children to participate in school trips and residential experiences
The National School Pantry Network is about more than food. It’s about creating opportunities, reducing pressure on families and helping children thrive.
If you want to strengthen family food security, offer compassionate support, and create a more resilient school community, join the National School Pantry Network today.
