THE LARDER has won the International Beverage’s inaugural Spirit of Our Community Awards, for their efforts to tackle food poverty.
The Coatbridge-based store looks to break down the stigma and make food shopping affordable for the local community.
The initiative say that the £10,000 prize fund will help furnish the store, buy any necessary equipment and stock up on necessary groceries.
Senior Care Manager at Glenboig Development Trust said: “The Larder is an important and positive initiative to meet a specific need in Coatbridge.”
“This is one of the most deprived areas of North Lanarkshire so initiatives which alleviate poverty within a community setting are crucial.”
“There is a heavy reliance on foodbanks but there are also many people in need who won’t access support due to social stigma, so we have to find ways to make them feel safe and supported by the community.”
The project is a joint effort by the Glenboig Development Trust and Buchanan High Additional Support Needs School.
Goods offered will include fresh essentials and recipe boxes, all at an affordable price.
The hub will also let seniors with additional needs at Buchanan High School, develop key work skills.
International Beverage Business Support Manager Eileen Rae said: “I can’t think of a better cause for our top prize this year than this wonderful new resource for the Coatbridge community.”
“There’s an incredible can-do attitude at the school and we could see how quickly our donation was going to make a tangible difference”.
“It will also provide so much more than food. There’s support, advice, friendship, fun and true community, which we believe is something well worth investing in.”
“Our congratulations go to everyone at The Larder and we look forward to being a part of the project and watching it flourish in the months ahead.’
“We’re grateful to International Beverage for their support and we will work hard to make The Larder a focal point for the community accessible to everyone.”
“Although we will start our Larder in Buchanan High School, we hope to unite with the other two schools on our joint campus to increase membership, ultimately rolling out our project to the wider community”.
The International Beverage Spirit of Our Community Awards rewards initiatives which improve local communities’ quality of life.
Judges range from company employees to external associates. Any charity or non-profit organisation in the Airdrie and Coatbridge area could apply for the fund.
Two other organisations were also rewarded with £1,000.
