At Paganhill Community Centre, food is about more than sustenance. It’s a way to care, to connect, and to build a stronger, more resilient community together.
We know it can sometimes be tough to buy and cook good, healthy food. That’s why we’re sharing great food that would otherwise be heading for landfill with our neighbours. Our food is free, but we ask people to consider making a donation to our Group to help us keep going.
For the latest info about our Food Bank & Hub open times, check out our calendar or follow our Facebook Page.
Our Food Bank
Our food bank runs twice a week, providing essential support to local families and individuals. We distribute non-perishable goods, pantry staples, chilled/frozen foods, and when available, fresh produce grown in our very own Community Garden. By doing so, we help reduce food waste and ensure that surplus, nutritious food reaches the people who need it most.
We’ve got a community fridge full of goodies and we’re welcoming regular donations of groceries and fresh fruit and veg from local supermarkets and through FareShare South West.
And it’s on your doorstep! We’re here to help at The Octagon Community Hub, Farmhill Lane, GL5 4BX.
Our food bank is about more than just food: it helps build connections, support people in hardship, and contributes to long-term wellbeing of individuals within the community.
Our Cafe and Food Hub
Alongside the food bank, our community café and food hub is a warm, welcoming space open to all. It’s open Wednesdays 1pm-4:30pm and Fridays 12-2 (see our calendar for latest updates). Here’s what makes our hub special:
- A place to eat, connect and belong: This isn’t just a transactional food service – it’s part of how we build community. Community food hubs like ours can reduce the stigma often associated with food assistance.
- Fresh, locally grown food: Thanks to our community garden, some of the fruit and vegetables you’ll find in the hub are grown right here at Paganhill.
- Skills, learning, and sustainability: Food hubs offer a platform for more than just food distribution. They can help people develop life skills (cooking, budgeting, growing), improve food security, and promote more sustainable food systems.
Importantly, integrating our food hub with food bank services creates a “win-win”: it strengthens local food systems, supports access to healthy food, and can even provide economic opportunities.
Why are food hubs like ours so important?
- Addressing food insecurity: In the UK today, many people face the difficult choice between heating and eating. Our food bank and hub help ease that burden by giving families reliable access to food at an affordable cost.
- Reducing food waste: By working with donors and redistributing surplus food (including fresh produce), we help make sure good food doesn’t go to landfill.
- Building community: Our food services aren’t just about handing out food — they foster connection, mutual support and social capital.
- Promoting sustainability: Through growing, sharing, and educating, our food hub supports a more sustainable, local food system.
Get Involved / Help Out
Volunteering is a critical part of making this work: volunteers sort donations, assist with event preparations, and welcome visitors. When looking at both our own experiences and national food bank models, it’s clearly visible how volunteers not only make a practical difference, but also offer kindness and dignity to people in challenging circumstances.
We welcome anyone who wants to get involved. Here’s just a few ways you can help out:
- Donate food items, especially non-perishables, or fresh produce (if you’re a gardener or local provider).
- Join our café & food hub team – support cooking, serving, or running community meals.
- Help with workshops – if you have skills in cooking, crafts, growing food, or budgeting, we would love your expertise.
If you’re interested in volunteering, partnering, or contributing in any way, please get in touch by emailing hello@paganhill.org.uk. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re here for help or you’re here to help.