Hope Community Fridge in Kensington, Liverpool is more than just a food pantry – it’s a welcoming community space and for some, a lifeline.
Each week, the pantry offers local people the chance to choose an affordable shop of fresh and tinned food, along with household essentials, helping to ease the pressure of food insecurity.
As Karl, a regular customer explains, “When you know this is here every week, it’s no worry… It takes the worries away.”
Here we share two powerful stories that highlight the difference Hope Community Fridge is making in people’s lives.
Karl, who had to stop working as a long-distance driver due to his arthritis, has been coming to Hope Community Fridge for over a year.
He appreciates the friendly atmosphere and the chance to choose items for himself, not just receive a handout. Karl also values the social side: “It’s good to come and talk to people here… they all make me feel welcome and loved.” He adds: “They’re always happy to see you. I look forward to coming here every week.”
This sense of connection is vital in building community cohesion, with the pantry regularly supporting around 40 households each week.
Staff member Josh, says: “We get people from the community struggling to pay bills or facing different financial situations.”
He highlights how the pantry goes beyond food: “People that initially came as clients have stepped forward to volunteer, and some have even accessed different parts of the church community. It’s more than just filling fridges – it’s about people feeling valued and making a difference in their own lives.”
In a moving second film, volunteer Lee shares his powerful story of transformation. Once struggling with alcoholism and depression, he found support, friendship, and faith through the pantry.
First welcomed as a guest, Lee is now a committed volunteer and part of the church community. His story is a reminder of how simple acts of welcome and inclusion can truly change lives.
“This gives me that sense of responsibility. It gives me a sense of pride and it also gives me a sense of purpose, sense of community as well, which I think is probably the biggest thing.”
“Three months after I came to church, I just wanted to give something back because I felt… it was a lifeline not just of food but friendships. I wanted to give that back so I volunteered. It helped my mental health so much.” He adds: “Now I’ve got people who care about me and I care about them.”
Lee describes how he came to faith, through volunteering at the pantry: “Slowly, through prayer… I started to find hope. About nine months after, I got baptized. That was boss. It changed my life.”
Lee adds: “Kindness… it can be a kindness to someone else doing this volunteering. It’s amazing. But it’s a kindness to myself as well. And I think that’s what Christianity does teach – be kind to yourself.”
Hope Community Fridge is creating a space where food insecurity is tackled with dignity, kindness, and genuine connection – proving that small acts of kindness can spark profound change.