About Us
Gidday, my name is Kim and welcome to The Zero Pantry!
Born and raised in a small town on the North Island of New Zealand, my dream of seeing the world started 27 years ago. Having travelled to Kirkby Lonsdale, I met my husband, did a bit of travelling and settled down to raise my two children in one of the most beautiful areas of the UK.
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Over the last few years I have become increasingly frustrated with the amount of plastic that we as consumers go through and the lack of plastic free options in the area.
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On the 1st August 2020, The Zero Pantry in Kirkby Lonsdale opened it's doors for the first time. This was quickly followed by The Zero Pantry in Sedbergh on the 1st December of the same year. Both shops work alongside each other to bring plastic free, environmentally friendly options to the Lune Valley.
At The Zero Pantry we are passionate about supporting local and Cumbria is teaming with environmentally friendly companies. You will find many locally sourced, eco friendly products ranging from foods to personal care.
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Our ethos is very simple - it's not too late. By just changing one thing as an individual, collectively we will make a difference.
What Makes Me Tick
Community
At the very heart of every small town is community. It is what makes living in rural places special. We are surrounded by some amazing community groups within Sedbergh and Kirkby Lonsdale, none more so than the Community Cupboards. Over the recent pandemic the Community Cupboards were created to help with those that may have been finding life a little difficult. Food and other necessary items were donated and these were shared out among the needy, no questions asked. The Community Cupboards then grew to Food Clubs (reducing the amount of surplus food sent to landfill) and hot meals.
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The Zero Pantry takes an active part in this initiative by donating any food close to expiry date to be either given to the community or used within the hot meals. No food goes to waste and other benefit where needed. What's not to love about that!
Want to find out more? Click the links below:
love local Suppliers
I am passionate about support local and we are lucky enough to be surrounded by some talented creators in their fields.
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Bain & Savon, Whitehaven - suppliers of vegan, cruelty-free beauty products.
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Sedbergh Soap Company, Sedbergh - luxurious soaps naturally made by hand.
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Wensleydale Sheep Milk Soap, Hawes - made with milk sourced from Love Ewe Dairy.
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Eunice and Blue, Lake District - beautiful goats milk soap created in the Lake District.
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Dowbiggin Crafts, Sedbergh - creating some amazing reusable dish cloths, produce bags and cotton bowl covers (to name a few!)
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Miniml Refills, Keighley - natural cleaning brand offering zero waste cleaning, laundry and personal needs.
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The Watermill, Little Salkeld -producer of organic flours, grains and oats.
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Kircabi Roaster, Kirkby Lonsdale - local independent craft coffee roasters.
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Inspired by Lakeland, Keswick - supplier of novelty tea towels, cards and coasters.
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Howgill Candles, Kendal - luxury handmade soy candles.
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Shmood Candles, Kendal - the 100% soy candle that comes with its own playlist!
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Lakeland Mues, West Woodside - award winning luxury muesli.
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Beans & Lentils, High Bentham - granola at it's best!
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Kendal Cordials, Kendal - locally made, delicious cordials.
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Jack Berry, Blackpool - suppliers of gluten free bread mixes, raw honey and vegan 'No Bee Honee'.
Sport
Sport has always played a large role in my life and over the years I have been involved in a number of teams and clubs within Kirkby Lonsdale. In my other life I also work at the Lunesdale Sports Centre as the Community Sports Coordinator.
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Rugby has been a staple in my life. My husband was a keen player in his youth, as well as my short stint at No8 and captain of the first KLRUFC women's rugby team. When our son was old enough Dad took on the role of coach and Mum took on the role of Team Manager, having both retired only a couple of years ago.
However I am still heavily involved in the local Kirkby Lonsdale Netball Club where you will find me coaching all levels from 5 year olds to 65 year olds.
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I am happy to say that both my children are active teenagers engaged in the sport world with No1 son playing rugby for the local rugby club - KLRUFC and No1 daughter playing netball for KLNC and also a keen gymnast. (Proud mum moment!)