The Gleaning Pantry is a social supermarket based at Brook Lane Community Church. Open Fridays from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm, for residents of Downham and the surrounding area who are on low/no income or means tested benefits. Membership is £5 per visit. This entitles members to a fair share, according to the number of people in the household, of the produce available on the day. Members can expect goods with an estimated retail price of £15-20, in practice this is generally much greater, however, this cannot be guaranteed.
The food and household goods provided come from various sources, generally supermarket surplus, donations from FareShare and from local people. Food that is on or approaching its best before date but is still good and safe to eat is offered. Fresh food will always be within, or frozen on, its use by date and labelled accordingly. Unlike a foodbank, members are free to choose the items they take away and are offered a range of bread, fresh and frozen produce alongside the usual tinned and dried goods.
To find out if you are eligible to join please click here.
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Other activities
Seasonal activities also take place and include the annual provision of Easter Eggs for local children either directly or via activities run by Brook Lane Community Church. At Christmas there is a new toy collection with donations from within the local community and the Lidl Toy Bank Campaign. The toys are then distributed to the community by our Santa's grotto or via The Gleaning Pantry. Kits to get clients growing their own food were given out in spring 2023.
Downham Aid respond to other needs as they arise such as collecting goods donated towards the Ukrainian appeal for aid and our school uniform collection in 2022, or our winter coat appeal in 2024.
We support people not only with food but through friendship, prayer and work experience opportunities. Brighter Horizons, who are a group of adults with learning needs, have had several members perform work experience placements with us. One person enjoyed it so much that she has become a much valued, permanent member of the volunteer team. We have also supported young people from Lewisham schools in their work experience in conjunction with Brook Lane Community Church.