Working with SOFEA (South Oxfordshire Food and Education Alliance), the Progressive Alliance hopes to set up 5 more community food larders throughout Milton Keynes.
Anyone can be a member of a community larder by paying a small fee. At the larder, members can pick up the food they want. This food is surplus from producers, manufacturers and suppliers, so the larders also help to reduce food waste.
Aside from food, the larders offer a place to chat, socialise and even access additional support services.
There are currently larders in Wolverton, Shenley Brook End, Downs Barn and Bletchley, but the Progressive Alliance are keen to have more locations throughout Milton Keynes.
Councillor Jane Carr, Liberal Democrat Cabinet Member for Tackling Inequalities and Child Poverty, said: “A key pillar of the Progressive Alliance is tackling child poverty, because every child deserves a good start in life; these larders will be invaluable in helping that become a reality.”
Liberal Democrat Councillor Marie Bradburn said “There isn’t a one-size fits all approach when it comes to tackling poverty and food poverty, which is why it’s so important we have places like community larders alongside food banks. They each offer different things, but are as equally as valuable and important.”