Millport: Possibility of new food larder coming to Cumbrae

Largs Library has already been selected for a new community larder which is currently in the process of being set up with volunteers receiving training.

And at the recent North Coast and Locality Partnership meeting, the matter of the Isle of Cumbrae having a food larder was raised.

The community larders would be set up as an accessible source of food to anyone living in Largs and Millport, at a low price.

North Ayrshire Council's Locality Team have been working on Cumbrae to try and source a suitable location for the project.

In a report for theirrecent North Coast and Locality meeting, involving local elected councillors, it was revealed that talks had been held with Cumbrae Forum about housing the larder in their premises but they were not in a position to do this.

Contact had been made with the Garrison regarding the use of a container in the grounds of the Garrison but further information was requested regarding logistics of the larder.

Garrison (Image: Newsquest)

Information has been sent to the Cumbrae Community Development Company to be distributed to the board for consideration.

The locality team also held a meeting held with Elaine Wright, Fair For All Worker regarding plans going forward.

As recently reported, a questionnaire has been developed and distributed to community organisations and community members in Millport.

As for Largs, members of the North Coast Locality team explained to Largs Community Council at their recent meeting that volunteers are currently getting trained up with the larder expected to open later this year.

Volunteers will also be given financial literacy training and will be responsible not just for manning the facility but co-ordinating it all, so it will be run independently of the council.

Ewan Grant, of the North Coast Locality Team, said: "There have been a few people who have come forward to volunteer, some of whom have worked in the Largs foodbank, and they are currently going through the training process, and there has also been help provided by the West Kilbride Larder."

 “We would like to see this as a long-term goal to help the community overcome some of the challenges faced through increased costs-of-living.

“This will help us provide support to those on low income, elderly or vulnerable people within our community.

“At a food larder, members pick produce themselves in a shop-like environment. It is a great way to access low cost food.

“Any household can join and become a member of a community larder or pantry as it is not means tested.

“Products will vary, but will generally include fresh, dry and tinned food items, sanitary products, toiletries and household cleaning items."

The News reported back in February that Largs Library was set to be the venue for the larder, but that the premises would need reconfigured to provide enough space for the facility.

The service in West Kilbride helps people who are struggling to access food. In return for a payment of £3, each family can get access to shopping worth £12 - while a payment of £5 opens up access to items worth £20.

The larder is funded by grants from North Ayrshire Council and people who pay monthly by standing order.

Louise Riddex, locality officer for North Ayrshire Council, said: "There are 12 larders across North Ayrshire and they are all run by volunteers, with support from North Ayrshire Council. This will be a great asset to both Largs and Millport."