The winners of the Fruit & Vegetable Market’s Independent Retailer competition visited New Covent Garden and met the firms on Buyer’s Walk, prior to receiving the first prize of £500 of fresh produce for their outlet.

Sisters Nikki Lemon and Kat Short made the early morning trip, to select fresh produce for The Pantry at Wickham Community Centre, near Portsmouth. The pantry provides a helping hand for those who need it. For a £5 donation, shoppers receive around £20 worth of fresh, frozen, and store-cupboard ingredients. It really makes a difference to those struggling with the cost of living. Membership is free, and you only pay when you visit the pantry.

Kat and Nikki (pictured with Tenants’ Association Chairman Gary Marshall) met several wholesalers during their visit and had a good look round the rest of the FV and Flower Markets. Kat explained the ethos and approach of The Pantry and emphasised how much of a difference the produce will make to her customers.

In the next few months, we’ll feature The Pantry and the incredible work the volunteers do for their local community.