Students in the Lewis tutor group on the Level 3 Foundation
Diploma in Business at Loughborough College are looking to raise awareness and support to tackle poverty in Loughborough.

What is Cupboard on the Corner?

Cupboard on the corner is a community pantry located in 
Loughborough. 

Many people who struggle to afford food are people in low income jobs struggling because of rising costs.  Many of these are above the threshold for help from food banks. The pantry wanted to support people who are struggling without having to turn people away who might not be eligible for food parcels.  During the lockdown the pantry was delivering food bags and found that often people were given food that they didn’t like or didn’t usually cook with, such as tins of ham or pasta so the idea was born of allowing people to choose what they wanted rather than giving them what was available.   

They allow people to pick a certain amount of products of their choice for a small fee of £3.50 per week. 

Customers have the option to purchase dried and packets
goods, fresh fruit and vegetables, fresh meat and dairy.  The pantry also offers sanitary products, such as nappies, deodorants, toothpaste, tampons etc which are not included in the allowance.

Why is poverty an issue?

It has a negative impact on an individual’s health and wellbeing which includes a higher risk of dietary related illnesses and diseases.  Healthy and nutritious foods are found to be more expensive.

Why are we trying to raise money?

Lewis Group from the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Business
are looking to raise awareness and support to tackle poverty in Loughborough.

The main support that the Cupboard on the Corner needs is funds to purchase the products it needs to support families.  Whilst they
receive some products donated – such as turkeys at Christmas from Morrisons – they have to pay a subscription to Fair Share and have to buy a lot of the products from wholesalers.  

We are  trying to raise money in order to support the local food pantry to be able to purchase more products to suit the needs of those who choose to use the pantry.

Thank you for your support and generosity from the Lewis group in the Business Department at Loughborough College