THE team at Woodwynd’s Shoap has helped hundreds of Kilwinning residents afford food and supplies since it opened its doors three weeks ago.

The community larder based inside the Woodwynd Hall three weeks ago, has been offering a weekly shop for only £3.

And so far over 200 residents have been helped by this service.

Colin Young has been delivering food parcels to the community since lockdown began, making 2am runs to the Fruitmarket in Glasgow, even in the snow last week, to get supplies for those people in the community who need it.

Unlike a food bank, the Shoap is not emergency food provision, and no referral is required to access the Wee Shoap.

And membership is open to everyone and all that is needed to join the scheme is a letter to confirm your name and address.

Colin explained: “Woodwynd’s Wee Shoap works on a membership basis and offers a mini supermarket-like environment where residents have the opportunity to choose their own food.

“This is a more dignified approach to food insecurity and helps make their money go further by giving them access to good food at a lower cost.

“I am happy to say that within the first fortnight over 200 Kilwinning folk have come in and got their shopping from our shelves and fridges.

“We work on an appointment basis and people have to book in to come along.

“We are still delivering to people who cannot get out and we are still making that journey to the Fruitmarket as we want to get fresh fruit and veg for the people of the town and we also make lentil soup, Scotch broth and beef casserole to help families.”

Now the Shoap volunteers of ACES Woodwynd, led by Colin Young, are asking the community to nominate them for the chance of winning £650 worth of Tesco vouchers to boost their shelves.

The group is in the running for the Community Hero prize of vouchers and is asking for help by nominating them via its Facebook page.

The Woodwynd Wee Shoap is open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10am to 3pm to make an appointment call the team on 07719 480807 or contact ACES Woodwynd via Facebook.