A mini supermarket selling cut-price goods has been set up in Irvine in response to the cost of living crisis.
The 'Side Larder, based at Springside Community Centre, aims to provide dignified and affordable access to food for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
Run in partnership with North Ayrshire Council and Springside Community Association (SCA), the shop forms part of the North Ayrshire Fairer Food network which now has 14 ladders under its banner.
The community provision works on a membership basis and provides a way for people to top up their weekly food shop.
Community volunteer Claire Stevenson from SCA said: “After many months in the making, we are delighted to now be opening the new ‘Side Larder here in Springside.
“We’ve been working hard to get the new community larder set up and we will be open every Friday 10am until 6pm.
“The larder will be run by our community, for our community and I know that it will be a great resource to families and individuals in the area.”
With 20 memberships already registered, the team are off to a flying start.
Claire added: “We’re already hearing – and experiencing ourselves – how residents are feeling concerned about how they’re going to manage over the next few months as they struggle with rising energy and food costs.
“Working alongside the Council, our food larder has been set-up to help families and other residents get a little more out of their weekly grocery shop for much less and most importantly provide a service that they can access discreetly and with dignity.”
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 areas and all that is needed to join the scheme is a letter to confirm your name and address.
Members can then book an appointment to do their weekly top-up shop.
Councillor Alan Hill, cabinet member for islands and communities said: “Thank you to everyone involved in getting the Springside community larder up and running. I know that this will be a welcomed addition to the community and the hard work and determination of all the volunteers is an inspiration to us all.
“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.
“However, the volunteers 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.
You can follow the Springside Community Association Facebook page here for Larder updates.
Click here to find your nearest community larder in North Ayrshire.
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