New service launches in the hope of tackling root causes of food poverty

The Torquay Community Larder is a joint venture run by approximately 55 volunteers from eight churches and will operate under the umbrella of Christians Together in Torquay. 

The Community Larder aims to provide long-term welfare support solutions to some of the most vulnerable individuals and families experiencing food poverty.  In the future, well as providing an emergency food provision, the Community Larder wants to develop more sustainable offers of welfare support, like money management courses and employability skills training.  It is hoped that these more sustainable welfare support solutions will begin to have some impact on the root causes of food poverty, rather than inadvertently creating a culture of 'dependency' solely around food.

Lieutenant Andy Toby from the Salvation Army, who is leading the new service, said: “It is a wonderful project run for the community by the community. The volunteers have been fully trained and we plan to open our doors two days a week. Our ultimate goal is to be able to provide a wrap-around service of support, which will enable people to regain their independence through our approach of offering a hand up, not a hand out”.

The Community Larder will launch on the 12 September 2016 and will open from 10am to 2pm every Monday and Friday at The Salvation Army Citadel in Market Street, Torquay. 

The Larder is appealing to the local community for any of the following items which can be dropped off at the Citadel at any time: cereals, soup, beans, tinned tomatoes, tinned vegetables, rice pudding, custard, tea, coffee, sugar, milk, pasta and sauces. Financial donations are also welcome and will be gift-aided if appropriate. For further information about The Torquay Community Larder, please email Lieutenant Andy Toby at info@torquaycommunitylarder.org.uk