Community Champion Recognised for Her Extraordinary Local Impact

Cirencester community leader, Mary Cobbett has been formally recognised in Parliament for her tireless efforts to support local families and tackle food waste.  

Mary, one of the founding members of Cirencester Pantry, visited Westminster this week, where she was presented with a certificate of the Early Day Motion (EDM) by Roz Savage MP, and she and her family enjoyed a personal tour of Parliament. 

The EDM highlights the wide-reaching impact of Mary’s work. As a driving force behind Cirencester Pantry - a member-led cooperative that helps families stretch their budgets while tackling food waste - Mary has helped save more than 15 tonnes of food from going to landfill in the Pantry’s first year. That’s the equivalent of preventing an estimated 48.6 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions. 

In addition to her work on food redistribution, Mary has secured over £60,000 in benefits for local families in the last year, helping ensure that those in need receive the support they are entitled to. Her efforts also extend to organising community events, supporting residents through her work for the St John’s Hospital and St Lawrence’s Hospital Almshouses, and offering hands-on help to individuals facing hardship. 

Roz Savage MP said: 

“It was an absolute joy to welcome Mary and her family to Westminster and formally recognise her incredible work in Cirencester. Her commitment to social inclusion, food sustainability and community wellbeing is inspiring, and this recognition is richly deserved. Mary represents the very best of grassroots action - compassionate, practical, and deeply rooted in the needs of the local community.” 

The EDM calls on Parliament to recognise Mary as a “true community hero”, whose care, commitment and compassion continue to make a real difference in people’s lives across Cirencester. 

ENDS 

Note to Editors:  

• Mary Cobbett’s EDM can be found here.