one team

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Pantry Team Leads

This dynamic duo are never far from the kitchen, tirelessly serving the community pantry since launch, October 2023. Any questions regarding use of the Pantry and this helpful couple will provide the answer.

What motivates Nicky & John to serve the local community each week?

"When we saw the request for volunteers in the parish newsletter last year, we immediately felt it would be good to be involved. We had thought for some time that Headcorn would benefit from some form of community initiative along the lines of that pioneered by Penny Kemp, providing affordable food while minimising waste and, at the same time, drawing together different members of the community. We feel that the Pantry and associated cafe is continuing to achieve this."

Pantry Team Leads

We were honoured to welcome this warm caring couple to the team November 2025. Not only do they bring a vast experince of running another pantry, but possibly the best baking treats to grace any Pantry Café in the UK!

What motivates Ken and Jacq to serve the local community each week?

"After volunteering in a food charity for years we decided to look for something a little closer to home. The Headcorn Pantry fitted in perfectly for us. We love the local friendly community feeling the Pantry & Café has and it is great getting to know all the customers. 

As a passionate baker I (Jacq) get to share my cakes and biscuits with the customers who really appreciate them.

I (Ken) enjoy being part of a local community and chatting to the customers, sharing common interests and making a difference to someone's day just be sharing a friendly hello. "

Café Team Lead

Jan was one of our regular Pantry/Café customers who enjoyed the vibes so much she decided to join the team Autumn 2024. The Café lights up as she takes her candle like warmth around the room serving the customers.

What motivates Jan to serve the local community each week?

"I initially visited the pantry out of curiosity. For a small donation one could have some unwanted but edible food whilst enjoying a drink, biscuit and chat in a friendly atmosphere. I was so impressed with Martyn and his team that I decided to offer my services for the community too."

Pantry/Café Volunteer

Cordellia joined us to do her DofE in the Autumn of 2025. After achieving her award she decided to continue to volunteer and brings a beautiful energy to the team.

What motivates Cordellia to serve the local community each week?

“Originally I came to Penny Kemps Community Pantry for my DofE award, and after finishing I’ve found it so enjoyable that I’ve decided to stay on. I’ve met so many new people and learned a lot about responsibility and improved my social skills a lot after meeting a diverse group of people.”

Pantry/Café Volunteer

Colm joined the team winter 2025. He brings a warm infectious charm to the Café and ensures no one escapes the Pantry without being offered a cup of tea 20 times first!

What motivates Colm to serve the local community each week?

"After leaving a volunteering role at another food facility for 4 years I wanted to find a place to continue offering my time to the community somewhere. I became aware of the Headcorn Community Pantry through my previous role and decided to join the team here in Headcorn.

I enjoy being front of house meeting all the different people whether it's the customers or team members who I now regard as friends."

Pantry/Café Volunteer

You know your number's been called when Malia "Foghorn" Jones is in action. From tea making to kids entertainment  - Malia is an invaluable member of the team.

What motivates Malia to serve the local community each week?

"The reason I love volunteering at the pantry is because you get to see the smiles on people's faces when they are made happy. Sometimes a parent might be having a hard time financially and we give their child a toy or sweet and it melts my heart to see their smiles as big as the moon; also everyone makes friends there.

I also love volunteering because of the community spirit. It is so nice to see loads of people that want to help. We have 12 staff volunteers and they are all wonderful people. "

Logistics Volunteer

The project's newest recruit - Winter 2024 - Dave is already a well-respected  community volunteer within Headcorn, and we consider ourselves blessed to have him join the team.

What motivates Dave to serve the local community each week?

"Headcorn has been my spiritual if not physical home for nearly all of my life. I owe the village a lot, not least the school and the cricket club from when I was a kid. Helping with the Sunday pre-session set-up for the pantry is a simple way for me to give something back to the village as well as to be a part of the wider initiatives of the project to combat food waste and offer support within the community. "

Logistics Volunteer

He might be the joker of the team, but you won't find a more serious workhorse on the job. Attila joined Autumn 2024 to offer additional cover for the food collections and drops.

What motivates Attila to serve the local community each week?

"I've always felt drawn to giving some time to a charity. 

One day I entered the Headcorn Pantry & Cafe and felt very welcome. I knew straight away I wanted to be part of this movement, knowing we can save food waste and make others happy!"

Logistics Volunteer

Les, a man with the knowledge, joined the team Spring 2024 to help offer holiday/illness cover for our weekly food collections and drops.

What motivates Les to serve the local community each week?

"I enjoy supporting the local community and limiting the amount of food waste. Also I enjoy being helpful to the Penny Kemp's Pantry team who collectively do a grand job for the Headcorn Village community."

Pantry/Café Volunteer

Infectious smiles served with warm hearted conversation  - Beryl has been keeping the Café glowing since launch, October 2023.

What motivates Beryl to serve the local community each week?

"Hello Everyone. I enjoy volunteering at the Food Pantry as it's so rewarding seeing so many happy faces and people sitting having a coffee and a chat. It helps people in lots of ways and gives me joy to see"

Logistics Volunteer

It's not all about front of house - Toni is a gentle meticulous soul who's attention to detail and generous nature offers the perfect cover for the early Sunday pantry set-up.

What motivates Toni to serve the local community each week?

"I wanted to volunteer at the pantry to give back to the community and meet new people. I love that it is helping with food waste and how easily accessible it is to everyone."