Ferndown Community Larder, run by Ferndown Community Support CIC, is just over a month old, and continues to go from strength to strength.
Thanks to the dedicated volunteer team and organising committee, we have made a significant difference to people already. From the very beginning, it was clear that there was the will and need to provide a Food Bank option too, and so we do! Therefore we are tackling both food waste and food poverty in a more targeted and productive way. We have short dated foods available for all, regardless of income. These typically include fresh vegetables and fruit, and bread and pastries (lots of them!). We also have a dedicated zone for those struggling financially only, which includes tinned foods, cereals, drinks, snacks and rice and pasta among other items. Alongside this, we have established both a pet bank and a hygiene bank for those financially struggling too. We are in the process of establishing a membership scheme to allow simple, effective and sensitive management of the ‘bank’ side of the Larder. A simple card which can be given upon referral from schools, doctors, churches and other food banks, or directly upon proof of financial hardship, will enable users to use the food bank upon presentation of the card for a period of time. This will allow us to more effectively and supportively target those most in need of our help. Please keep an eye out on the website, social media and in the Larder itself for more info.
Of course Ferndown Community Support continues its other core services, including a shopping and prescription collection service for those unable to access, or with limited access to, the community and facilities, and a dedicated helpline manned by volunteers for advice, signposting and accessing our services. We are also planning a raft of events and outreach activities for the year, culminating in our well know Christmas festivities and support. The next event will be based at the Larder, where we will be running a trial cookery club session for children and parents/carers for users of our food bank services in the half term – sign up on the website or in the Larder. Places are limited unfortunately.
We have close to 300 volunteers in our organisation as a whole, which is amazing and we are so very grateful to all the volunteers who tirelessly give up their time and energy and wholeheartedly commit what they can to us. We also have numerous businesses who have provided their services and support to us which is phenomenal. If you would like to volunteer or seek our services, please visit the website at www.ferndowncommunitysupport.org.uk, or phone us during the week on 01202 936121.
Please do come and take a look at the Larder for yourselves, even if you don’t want anything, we would be delighted to show you what we have. We are based at the rear of Ferndown Day Centre, adjacent to the car park barrier. The Larder is open every weekday between 2pm – 5pm, and Saturdays between 10.30am – 1pm.