This community food larder, part of North Ayrshire Council’s Fairer Food network, opened its doors at Largs Library on 27 February 2024.

Unlike food banks, the larder does not require referrals and is open to all locals in the North Coast locality. Members only need to provide a letter confirming their name and address, along with ID.

The larder operates on a membership basis, allowing struggling families to top up their weekly shop with their choice of foods at an affordable cost.

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 2.30pm–5.30pm and every Friday from 10.30am–12.30am. 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.”

Councillor Alan Hill, 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.

“We now have 15 larders in operation so far throughout Irvine, Kilwinning, Three Towns, North Coast and the Garnock Valley. In addition, food support for the islands has been coordinated locally, including creating food contingency stores at Arran Outdoor Education Centre.

“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.”

Located at Largs Library, the drop-in opening hours for the food larder are every Tuesday 2.30pm-5.30pm and Friday’s 10.30am-12.30pm.

Visit Foodbanks and community larders to find the nearest larder and for opening times of other larders, visit the locator map.