FUNDING has been secured to run a vital food larder in Auchinleck's Boswell Centre. 

Auchinleck Community Development Initiative has secured funding to run for the larder in the Boswell Centre two days a week.

In partnership with East Ayrshire Council and some local businesses, the group is now able to offer certain foodstuffs at cost prices.

This aims to cut down on household bills and ease financial worries people may have during the cost of living crisis.

ACDI’s Janet Smith said: “During the pandemic we helped a lot of people in the community by ensuring that government funded support got to the people who needed it most in the form of food parcels.

"During this time it became obvious that many households are struggling with the cost of living.

"So we decided to follow the council’s lead and provide a food larder where people can buy some items cheaper than in the shops and supermarkets.

"We will be open on Tuesdays from 1pm -3pm and Thursdays from 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm."

To take advantage of the scheme, customers must become a member.

Janet explained: ”To obtain membership, which costs only £1, you must produce proof of identity when registering.

"This could be a utility bill or any other form of identification like a driver’s licence or bus pass."

It is anticipated that fresh vegetables from The Know Garden will be available in the shop from next summer and the group are also contemplating the possibility of running sessions on ‘cooking on a budget’.