Hard-working volunteers at allotments across North Ayrshire have supplied community larders with produce from their bumper winter harvests.
A whole range of fruit and vegetables – from carrots and runner beans to beetroot and leeks – has been donated to North Ayrshire Council’s Fairer Food network of 16 larders and pantries.
These operate in communities with the help of community partners and organisations to help alleviate food poverty – which has been aggravated by the current Cost-of-Living crisis.
Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy Said:
"There have been many generous donations from the allotments to the larders and community shops over summer, and the hard work that goes on all year from the growers is greatly appreciated. This hard work and effort means that households across North Ayrshire have been able to get delicious turnips, cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes to cook with at home."
Larders are not means tested and are open to all individuals and families.
Available products may vary from larder to larder, but generally you will find fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, tinned goods and personal hygiene products.
Allotments involved in stocking the shelves at some of the larders include:
· the Employability team’s Equal allotment in Eglinton Community Gardens at Eglinton Country Park, Kilwinning
· Organic Growers of Fairlie
· Eglinton Growers and
· West Kilbride growing project Social Horticulture for Experts & Dummies (SHED) at Community Roots Gardens.