Welcome to EVI Pantry, your local community food shop launched in February 2023, dedicated to helping the residents of Blaenau Gwent reduce their grocery bills. For just £5, members can choose from a wide range of top-quality foods, including fresh fruit and veg, fridge and frozen essentials, pantry staples, and more every week. This £5 shop would typically cost around £20 in a supermarket, helping our members save up to £1000 a year on grocery bills!
Our friendly volunteer team is always on hand to chat and assist you with anything you need. Currently, we support 200 households in our community.
Membership is flexible, allowing you to visit weekly or occasionally. However, please note that Pantry membership is restricted to one person per household, and acceptance is required to shop. The £5 fee, payable by cash or card, is reinvested into the pantry to sustain food orders and services.
“You are absolutely nailing it! The service is well organised, friendly and dignified. It is a huge help as we currently have no money coming in. I enjoy seeing your friendly faces each week. You are doing an excellent job and I really value the service you are providing.” – EVI Pantry Member
“Everyone is so pleasant and very helpful, especially with my disabilities. Such a nice place to come.” -EVI Pantry Member
“This is an amazing service which myself and family rely on. We find it helps us so much with the cost of living. Thank you all so much, we are very grateful.” – EVI Pantry Member
BBC Wales recently visited EVI Pantry to spotlight our role in the community. Sue shared her volunteering journey at EVI & how it’s ‘worked wonders’ for her. Thank you to our wonderful volunteer team!
EVI Pantry’s Community Impact
Get involved
We are in need of donations (food, toiletries & monetary) to help run and stock the Pantry. If you’re interested in supporting this important community project, email pantry@evi.cymru or pop in.
Let’s bring our community together at the EVI Pantry to soften the blow of high living costs, foster friendships, reduce food waste, and contribute to healthier, happier lives.
Contact pantry@evi.cymru or visit Ebbw Vale Institute (EVI), Church Street, Ebbw Vale, NP23 6BE
Learn more about the Your Local Pantry scheme here.
ProMo Cymru, charity and social enterprise, operates and is the custodian of the Ebbw Vale Institute. We are proud to have saved EVI for future community use.
*The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills. For more information, visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/uk-shared-prosperity-fund-prospectus
Welcome to EVI
The EVI – Ebbw Vale Institute is a building full of story and culture. Founded in 1849 to promote cultural exchange in the neighbourhood, it was vacant for a number of years before undergoing extensive refurbishment. It is now a vibrant community and cultural centre for Blaenau Gwent and surrounding areas.
