Thatcham Community Larder – Reducing Food Waste Six Months on from Launch
Stretching the weekly shopping budget or aiming to reduce landfill are just two of the reasons why members are joining Thatcham Community Larder, now into its sixth month. The larder, launched in June 2021, is growing week by week and has now reached over 66 members.
Victoria Roseblade, Leader of the Thatcham Community Larder said “members join for a variety of reasons, some to stretch their weekly shopping budget, others to help combat food waste and reduce landfill and of course there are those who come along just for the social side and a cup of tea.”
Members can shop for produce at a very small cost and all food is sustainably sourced. As part of the membership members are also entitled to 10 ambient items, 20 with a family membership, which is donated to the larder and would otherwise have gone to landfill.
Any leftover produce, like fresh vegetables and pasta, the larder donates to Newbury Soup kitchen and the Small Animal Rescue Sanctuary.
As well as providing edible produce and other household shopping items, the larder has offered free school uniforms, sanitary products, and Covid tests. As well as a free toy and book exchange.
Behind the larder are a group of fantastic volunteers who help with memberships, loading shopping bags, making drinks, slicing cake and of course making all members extremely welcome. New volunteers are always welcome.
Why not go along and try it for yourself. It's not means tested and anyone local can join.
- The Larder operates each Wednesday between 2-6pm at Frank Hutchins Community Centre, Thatcham. RG18 4QH.
- The Larder is a place to help support our community by offering a membership if £10 per year.
- Food is also available at a very small cost. All food is sustainably sourced.
- A single membership for £3.50 a week will allow up to 10 ambient items and a selection of fruit and veg.
- A family membership for £7.00 a week will allow up to 20 ambient items and a selection of fresh fruit and veg
