Hangar Community Hub Food Pantry

Who are we?

At Hangar Community Hub, we embrace the power of Combat Sports as a catalyst for transformation in the lives of Young People and Adults facing challenging circumstances. Our mission is to empower individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds, such as those experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or living in communities plagued by crime and violence. Through our unique approach, we combine sports training, health and fitness initiatives, and access to our volunteer-run Community Food Pantry, which is an integral part of our Hangar Hub project. 

Additionally, we provide employability coaching and personal development support.

We believe in fostering a sense of community and belonging, so we encourage our program participants to actively engage in our food project by volunteering their time. Through this involvement, they not only contribute to the well-being of others but also gain valuable qualifications in Food Hygiene and First Aid, along with valuable work experience. By assisting those in need, they develop a profound sense of purpose and become equipped with essential life skills.

Our gym operates with a dual purpose. During the daytime, our dedicated coaches work closely with individuals from disadvantaged groups, while in the evenings, we welcome clients from all walks of life. This inclusive environment cultivates a positive community where everyone can train and feel like they belong.

We are passionate about promoting both physical and mental well-being, recognizing their interconnectedness. Furthermore, we provide apprenticeship opportunities in sports and Personal Training, demonstrating the rewards of meaningful employment. Through these apprenticeships, individuals can acquire specialized skills and pursue fulfilling careers while experiencing firsthand the positive impact of being part of a supportive and empowering organization.

Join us on this journey towards stronger bodies, minds, and communities, as we empower individuals to unlock their full potential and create a brighter future for themselves and those around them. 

Our Pantry is totally run by hard working Volunteers. Our youngest volunteer is aged 14, and our oldest is 81.  Plus all ages in-between.  Whether working behind the scenes collecting food donations, cleaning, doing admin or at front of house helping our members choose a range of the food we have on offer, they give up their time to ensure that the Pantry reaches as many people who need it, as possible.

Thanks to our wonderful volunteers we can hold 2 regular Pantry days a week, plus pop-up evening events whenever our stocks allow all to help the local community.  We have people from all walks of life collecting food from us.  We can also supply on-demand emergency food for people in need and the Social Workers who bring  Young People to our gym often ask us for Food Box for the young person to take home.  Without this help, we wouldn't be able to do this.

Impact

Not only does our Pantry help with the obvious - cost of household expense, such as groceries and essentials, it helps by creating a sense of community and belonging as members meet up at our location twice a week when we are operating. They have to sit and wait for their turn and friendships have been made in these queues.  It also helps with social isolation and brings people into a gym environment where they begin to express and interest in health and fitness.

In addition, our Volunteers gain benefits such as:

• Work experience
• Essential courses such as First Aid and Food Hygiene
• Community giving
• Sense of belonging
• Improved self esteem
• Better mental health
• Sense of achievement
• We belong to Tempo Time Credits to harbour an ethos of volunteering culture

Why are we crowdfunding?

We often have to purchase food to top-up what is donated every week from store surplus. With the increased cost of food, this eats (excuse the pun!) into our budget and often hinders what we can afford to make available.

Our running costs for electricity, fuel and food are through the roof! We're fundraising to ensure we can continue to help people throughout the Cost of Living Crisis and beyond and keep up the good work we do.

How we’ll spend the money raised

• Purchasing food including store-cupboard items, toiletries, essential hygiene items and 
• Paying our Fareshare Subscription to stay in the Community Surplus program.
• Reimbursement of Fuel Costs to Volunteers who collect any donated food, over 50 trips currently made per week on a voluntary basis
• Essential Staff Training e.g. Food Hygiene Courses and First Aid Courses
• Electricity bills
• Upkeep and maintenance of our refrigeration equipment