CompletedInterventional

A study evaluating Your Local Pantry membership

This research explores if becoming a member of a 'Your Local Pantry' food club helps people who are finding it hard to get enough to eat. Many households in the UK are facing food insecurity, which can affect diet, health, and mood. These food clubs offer affordable groceries. This study aims to find out if joining a pantry reduces food insecurity, improves mental well-being, diet quality, and financial hardship, and reduces loneliness. It compares people who become members quickly with those who have to wait. If you're applying for membership, you might be asked to take part by filling out questionnaires over 10 weeks.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Liverpool

Enrolment target

300

Start

04 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2025

Food insecurity

What is this study about?

Many families in England sometimes struggle to afford healthy food, which is known as 'food insecurity'. This can make it difficult to eat well, stay healthy, and feel good mentally. In response to this, many community food clubs, like 'Your Local Pantry' (YLP), have been set up. These clubs offer a way to buy good quality food at much lower prices than regular supermarkets, aiming to help people facing financial difficulties while also keeping their dignity and choice.

This study wants to truly understand if joining one of these YLP food pantries makes a real difference. Researchers will look at whether being a member helps reduce food insecurity, improves how people feel about their mental health, helps them eat better, eases money worries, and reduces feelings of loneliness. They also want to see if it improves overall health and personal dignity.

The researchers will compare people who join a YLP pantry right away with those who might have to wait a little while before they can become members. By doing this, they hope to get a clear picture of the benefits of pantry membership. They will ask participants to fill out questionnaires over a 10-week period to track any changes in these important areas.

Key takeaways

The study explores how food pantries help people afford food and improve their health.
It compares new food pantry members with those on a waiting list.
Participation involves filling out four questionnaires over 10 weeks.
There are minimal risks involved, and no impact on pantry membership status.
Participants receive shopping vouchers as a thank you.
Findings could help improve support for people facing food insecurity.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 18 or older who are just applying to join a 'Your Local Pantry' food club in England. It doesn't matter how old you are as long as you're over 18.

Even if English isn't your first language, you can still take part. The pantry staff or volunteers, or even friends and family, can help you with the application form. If you're invited to join the study, we can arrange for an interpreter to help you understand the study information and fill out the questionnaires over the phone.

However, you can't take part if you live outside of England, if your local pantry chooses not to be involved, or if your pantry is very new (less than 3 months old). Also, if your pantry operates differently from the usual YLP model, or if you can't complete questionnaires online or over the phone, you won't be able to join the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Are you newly applying to a 'Your Local Pantry' in England?
Can you complete questionnaires online or over the phone?
Is your local YLP pantry more than 3 months old and following the standard model?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll be asked to complete four questionnaires over a 10-week period. The first one will be right after you apply to the pantry, then at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 10 weeks after your application. You can complete these questionnaires either online or over the phone, depending on what works best for you. Each questionnaire should take about 10 to 20 minutes of your time. You will get thank you shopping vouchers for completing the questionnaires.

Potential risks and benefits

There are very few risks to taking part in this study. Joining the study won't change whether you get into the food pantry or how quickly you become a member – that will happen just as normal, often on a first-come, first-served basis. Completing the questionnaires might take a little time out of your day, and some questions might touch on personal topics, but you can always choose not to answer any questions you're uncomfortable with. A benefit of taking part is that you'll receive shopping vouchers as a thank you, and you'll be helping researchers understand how community food clubs can support people, potentially helping others in the future. You are free to stop participating at any time.

Locations (2)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Your Local Pantry, Church Action on Poverty - Central Team
City only
Salford, United Kingdom
See study outputs table for sites of recruitment
Unverified
United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The study aims to see if joining a 'Your Local Pantry' food club helps people who struggle to afford enough food, by improving their diet, well-being, and financial situation.

Who is running this research?

The study is being run by the University of Liverpool, with support from 'Your Local Pantry' who will help tell new applicants about the study.

How long will I be involved in the study?

If you participate, you'll be involved for about 10 weeks in total, completing four questionnaires during this time.

Will taking part affect my chances of joining the food pantry?

No, taking part in the study will not change how or when you become a member of 'Your Local Pantry'. You'll be treated the same as any other applicant.

Will I get anything for taking part?

Yes, you will receive shopping vouchers as a thank you for completing the questionnaires.

How to find out more

Suruchi Ganbavale

s.ganbavale@liverpool.ac.uk +44 (0)7350432927 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.