Isle of Wight school children, from Queensgate Foundation Primary School in East Cowes, have dropped off six crates of donated food to the town's food pantry.

After the school's annual harvest festival collection, year six students, Rose Clark and Leo Lippuner, both 10, were tasked with the vital job of helping deliver the food in the school's minibus, which was described as 'very full'.

On hand to receive it was Christine Faulkner, from East Cowes's food pantry, who said: "I'd like to thank Queensgate.

"It has stocked our shelves up and will go to good homes in the community. Hopefully it will last."

Set up through connect4communities, there are currently three food pantries on the Isle of Wight - in Ryde, Ventnor and East Cowes.

Members pay £5 per week and in return, choose at least £15 of groceries.

Twelve items can include two high value products - like meat and cheese.

Toiletries, nappies, baby milk and other items are also available.

The East Cowes project opened in April and is based at Parkside Pavilion, off Victoria Grove.

When the Isle of Wight County Press covered the East Cowes pantry's opening, Jane Allchorn, from Community Spirited, which runs it, said: "We've had families in tears, because of how tough life is.

"We've got a woman with a primary school-aged son who says it's really tough.

"Our members are just so relieved. We leave out cold drinks and if we have time, we do them a hot drink."

Speaking this week, Leo Lippuner explained: "We have brought the food people donated at school. There's loads!"

Rose Clark said: "I am surprised there is this much food!"

Sadly, however well stocked, supplies do not last long on the shelves.

In East Cowes, food pantry membership has soared to more than 180 people in just five months and need is expected to grow, as the energy bill rise starts to impact Island residents.

Rose and Lars added: "We recommend donating, because all the food goes to people in need."

In June, food pantries also opened in Ryde, at Oakfield CE Primary School, Appley Road, and in Ventnor, at Baby Box, in Victoria Street.

Send us a photo and tell us about your school's harvest festival donations.

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