News

Purfleet Community Pantry & Café achieve 5-star food hygiene rating 

9 July 2025

Purfleet Pantry and Café has been operating for 11 months, providing essential support and a welcoming space for residents or visitors to Purfleet. This week, a major milestone has been achieved with a 5-star Food Hygiene Rating from the Food Standards Agency - a testament to the volunteers’ unwavering commitment to their community.

Initially target was to try and get 50 resident’s register to the pantry in the first six months, this target was hit within just two weeks of launch. The Pantry is now supporting over 120 residents!

Residents regularly visit the Cafe to enjoy a cooked breakfast or lunch, with the option for takeaway away service.

The café offers a comfortable space for neighbours’ and friends to meet and check in with one another. Meals are provided at a reasonable cost, ensuring they remain accessible to all.

Entirely volunteer-led, the project reflects the strength of local collaboration, with dedicated individuals offering their time and talents to support the community.

The pantry and café is open twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays, as well as on the last Saturday of every month. You can sign up to use the pantry if you are a resident of Purfleet, Aveley West Thurrock & South Ockendon.

You can join by popping into the pantry or visiting: Your Local Pantry