Community Larder launches in Thatcham's Frank Hutchings Hall

A COMMUNITY Larder offering cheaper food, advice and opportunities has launched in Thatcham.

Didcot-based charity SOFEA developed the larder model to provide surplus food, training and opportunities to young people and organisations.

The Thatcham larder is being organised by the Public Protection Partnership's (PPP) Vicky Roseblade, assisted by Sue Edgar from West Berkshire Council's career and participation team.

A soft launch was held last week with headteachers, town mayor John Boyd and deputy mayor Jeff Brooks.

Mrs Roseblade said she thought the larder would provide an opportunity to get the PPP engaging with Thatcham residents and explaining services on offer that they may not be aware of.

She said: "I believe that community engagement with local council and residents brings a better understanding of how we can work together to make a better environment to be part of.

"I believe that the larder can achieve this by having our PPP officers being available to chat to, give advice on problems such as dog fouling, scams, alcohol awareness etc and signposting to other services that may be helpful to our residents, like help with stop smoking services, money management, CV writing and any other services that our residents may need support from."

Community larders operate on a subscription model and are not means-tested like food banks.

Access is by an annual £10 membership, with a weekly fee of £3.50 single membership or £7 for a family. Members can access surplus supermarket stock which would otherwise go to landfill.

"I am very passionate about environmental issues and food wastage is a real global problem contributing hugely to climate change," Mrs Roseblade added.

Thatcham Community Larder is open 2pm to 6pm on Wednesdays at Frank Hutchings Community Centre, supported by Thatcham Town Council.

For more information visit the Thatcham Community Larder Facebook page or email Victoria.roseblade1@westberks.gov.uk