Volunteers at Largs Food Hub have opened the doors to their new community food larder.
Its aim is to provide dignified and affordable access to food for those who are struggling to make ends meet.
The set-up works on a membership basis, and the larder, located at Largs Library, 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.
Irene Weir, chairperson of Largs Food Hub said: “After many months in the making, we are delighted to now be opening the new Largs Food Hub.
“We’ve been working hard to get the new Food Hub set up and we will be open every Tuesday from 2.30-5.30pm and every Friday from 10.30am-12.30pm.
"This will be our initial opening hours until we see what the demand is.
“Our goal is to provide an accessible and affordable source of food to anyone in the area who needs it.
"The larder will be run by members of our community, for members of our community, and I know that it will be a vital resource to families and individuals in the area.
“Working alongside the council, our Food Hub 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 discreet service, free from stigma.
“With a good number of our community expressing an interest, and 12 people signed up as members so far, the team are off to a flying start."
Unlike a food bank, the larder is not an emergency food provision, and no referral is required.
Membership is open to everyone within the North Coast catchment area, covering Largs, Fairlie, Skelmorlie and Millport.
All that is needed to join the scheme is a letter to confirm your name and address and a form of ID.
The larder will operate on a drop-in basis but if members prefer, they can book an appointment during opening times.
North Coast SNP councillor Alan Hill, North Ayrshire Council's cabinet member for communities and islands said: “Following the success of our firmly established community food larder network, we are delighted to welcome Largs Food Hub as the newest addition to the Council’s Fairer Food network.
“Thank you to everyone involved in getting the Largs Food Hub 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."
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