Pantries have been set up to help families save money. They are not a crisis point and they are not an alternative to the supermarket.
When shopping at the Pantry it is important to remember you won’t get all you need from the Pantry. You will however make a saving compared to the supermarket and then what you save you can then use to purchase items you may not have been able to afford before.
Or alternatively save the money in credit union account for example, that way you you are a bit more prepared for a crisis when it occurs. An unexpected bill for example is more easily managed with a bit of money saved.
The other important aspect of the Pantry is that is uses food that has become surplus, this food is still good but no longer required and would end up in landfill if not used. This isn’t good for the environment, therefore it is goof to use the Pantry, not only are you saving money, you are also saving the planet.