BROOMLANDS and Bourtreehill has a new community food larder to help people struggling to afford a weekly shop.

The volunteers of Broomlands and Bourtreehill Community Association, BABCA, has worked with North Ayrshire Council to open the larder this week.

It follows the success of food larders in Kilwinning and Fullarton in Irvine, helping families stock up for just £3 or £4.

Based at Towerlands Farm Community Centre, the Farm Basket will be open three days a week.

Chairwoman of Broomlands and Bourtreehill Community Association, Janette Schill, who is volunteering alongside treasurer Irene McIlwain, said: “Our Food Larder, The Farm Basket, is stocked and ready to launch.

“We are part of the network of Food with Dignity premises setting up all over North Ayrshire.

“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.

“Our aim is to support the community and for just a few pounds, help them have groceries, we are here for anyone on their own, couples or families, we have a wide variety of cupboard staples, fresh produce, toiletries and pet food.

“The initial visit will be to pick up an application for membership form. Once registered a membership card will be issued which entitles the holder to a weekly visit.”

The volunteers of BABCA will be taking care of the shop.

The Farm Basket is open Mondays from 10am to 1pm; Wednesdays from 4pm to 7pm and Fridays from 2pm to 5pm.

Visits are made by appointment only by calling the volunteers on 07759313444.

During the last year community food larders have opened around North Ayrshire. Woodwynd’s Wee Shoap in Kilwinning opened after a successful launch of Ardrossan’s Quaint Larder at Whitlees Community Centre.

Next, Pennyburn opened its community food larder within Cranberry Moss Community Centre.

And in April, Choices Community Shop in Fullarton Street, again offering a supermarket-like shopping experience for people.

The community food larders work on a membership basis and provide a mini supermarket-like environment where residents have the opportunity to choose their own food.

The idea is that this is more dignified approach for people and helps make their money go further by giving them access to good food at a lower cost.

And unlike a food bank, the larder is not emergency food provision, and no referral is required to access them.

Membership is open to everyone and all that is needed to join the scheme is a letter to confirm your identity.