Helping hand is our calling
Servant- hearted souls are fighting against hunger and food insecurity with the launch of a community pantry.
Non- profit organisation The 10: 10 Trust are serving up a lifeline to those in need with their initiative Kingdom Storehouse.
Kingdom Storehouse at 40 Alloway Street, Ayr, aims to bridge the gap for families and individuals who find themselves between being able to afford food and crisis point.
Team member Rachel Brown said: “There’s definitely a stigma associated with people using foodbanks but anyone can go through struggles and need that extra bit of help.
“Kingdom Storehouse is about giving people access to food at a lower cost than traditional supermarkets while still giving them choice and dignity.
“We had one member who used to get a foodbank parcel but said she ended up giving it to her neighbour because her child wouldn’t or couldn’t eat the items inside.
“So Kingdom Storehouse is about choice and allows a member to select items they like and want.
“In turn we hope that reduces the stigma around asking for support with something as basic as food.”
The group also aims to tackle food waste as goods are sourced through Fare Share, who use food destined for landfill.
Families and individuals who have a low income, are unemployed or facing financial challenge can become members of the food club for a weekly fee.
Membership fees differ based on family size but a household of six to seven pay £ 5 per week for 25 items. Fruit and veg are free.
The 10: 10 Trust, formerly Lochside Mission and Outreach, have been feeding youngsters throughout the summer holidays for years.
This year they handed out 8603 lunches, more than 200 each day.
Trust director Dylan Harper said: “During term time families budget to provide for their children, confident that their children will be fed at school for little or not cost.
“But when the holidays come families are given no extra income but have to provide additional meals for their children for seven weeks. It can be very difficult.
“We had one mother tell us that if it wasn’t for the service we provide then her kids would’ve had empty bellies.
“She said living day to day and wondering how they were going to eat was soul- destroying.”
The trust wants local businesses to support its work. Anyone interested can email hello@ the1010trust. org. uk.
Kingdom Storehouse opening hours are at www. facebook. com/ KingdomStorehouseAyr.