This winter, residents are being reminded that they have the opportunity to get local access to a variety of low-cost produce including tinned foods, dried goods and personal hygiene products should they need a little helping hand this festive period.
All part of the Council’s Fairer Food network, our community food larders provide dignified and affordable access to food for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
North Ayrshire Council has supported community organisations in the co-design and delivery of a community food network known as North Ayrshire Fairer Food, which began at the start of Covid-19 as part of the initial local pandemic response.
A number of great examples of local community food provision have been operating successfully since then, across our localities. This year, newly-opened larders in Millport and Largs brought the total number of larders to 16.
In addition, food support for the islands has been coordinated locally, including creating food contingency stores at Arran Outdoor Education Centre and supporting Eco Savvy’s Waste Café provision.
The community food provision offered works on a membership basis, and it provides a way for locals who are struggling to make ends meet to top up their weekly food shop with their own choice of foods available. This is a more dignified approach to food insecurity and helps members to make their money go further by giving them access to good food at a lower cost.
Unlike a food bank, the larder is not an emergency food provision, and no referral is required.
Membership is open to everyone within the catchment area and all that is needed to join the scheme is a letter to confirm your name and address and a form of ID.
Donations are also welcome and free period products are available too.
To find your nearest larder and for opening times of our other larders, visit the Locator Map. For more information on how the food larders work, visit the Council website.
“We are so very grateful to the larder volunteers. However, the they can’t do it alone, so if you can help by giving up some of your free time to help your local community larder or even donate some food or toiletry items, your help and support is much appreciated.”Elaine Wright, Fair for All Development Officer
Fair for All Development Officer, Elaine Wright shares: “This can be a really challenging time of year for many, juggling the pressures of paying the bills and preparing for the festive break.
“Our Fairer Food Network of community larders is a brilliant example of how the council is providing support to communities who need it most. As residents continue to feel the effects of the Cost-of-Living crisis, our goal is to continue to provide an accessible and affordable source of food to anyone in need.”
In 2025, the Council will continue to work closely with officers and community groups who are working hard in the background to bring community food providers together, working towards a food cooperative so that each larder can negotiate group deals and strengthen their food supply.
Elaine adds: “We are so very grateful to the larder volunteers who are on the frontline helping to provide this vital resource to families and individuals across our six localities.
“However, the they can’t do it alone, so if you can help by giving up some of your free time to help your local community larder or even donate some food or toiletry items, your help and support is much appreciated.
“As for the local supermarkets and kind community growers, I would like to take this opportunity to share my sincere thanks for your ongoing support and donations.
“And, to anyone who is need of a little extra help or who is struggling with the expenses of their weekly food shopping, please don’t be afraid to pop in to your local community larder. We are here to support you.”
