Milton Keynes City Council has marked the launch of the city’s newest food larder in the Netherfield area of the city.

The Hedgerows Family Centre Larder will serve as a local neighbourhood club which will require a subscription. Weekly memberships are just £3.50 for an individual and £7 for a family and will provide up to £15 worth of subsidised fresh food each week. The larder is open every Tuesday from 2pm until 4pm.

The aim of these community larders is to save waste and give people access to cheaper food, a chance to meet neighbours and access services to support with the cost-of-living. People using community larders don’t need to be means tested or on specific benefits.

MK City Council have stated that they are helping to subsidise food larders as part of their ongoing help for people struggling with the cost-of-living. Over the past year, the city council has rolled out multiple initiatives to support struggling families, including access to food as well as additional financial support.

The food larder has been set up with a regional charity partner that works to support children and families.

Cabinet Member for Adult Services, Health and Communities, Cllr Donna Fuller, said, “Community larders empower local people, so they aren’t reliant on foodbanks which are for emergency support. For just £7 a week, families have access to a range of fresh food that they might not otherwise be able to afford. We know that many people are still struggling with the cost-of-living and we’ll continue to do what we can to support them during these challenging times. My thanks go out to the Family Centre staff and volunteers who help make these things happen.”

Further details about the support available can be found on www.milton-keynes.gov.uk/cost-living-support