M&S Ayr

Newton Primary is a school in an area where many individuals and families face daily challenges. We support families by providing food shopping list items, clothing (new and nearly new), kitchen utensils and household goods, bedding and energy top ups. We also support our families and those in the community by helping them access advice from various agencies eg income maximisation, smoking cessation, local charities and employability. Our shopping list is updated weekly on our school app and families ask for what they need. We have an open door once a week for bags and lunch, during this time members of the community come and get food, etc from our store.

The food pantry is committed to tackling food poverty and reducing waste in South Ayrshire. We have 3 food pantries in South Ayrshire and all of them strive to give their local community access to fresh, healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. We are backed by the South Ayrshire Food Network as well as the local authority to bridge the gap between foodbank reliance and commercial shops. Unlike a food bank, customers pay a small membership fee (which is used to purchase additional stock from local suppliers) and are able to shop for 10 items, giving those in need a choice. The shop is staffed by wonderful volunteers from the community with a range of backgrounds who gain incredible experience as well as the opportunity learn new skills with official certifications.

We are an Early Years centre that Provides support to families who experience a wide range of challenges. We help to provide clothes and items and would like to extend this to food parcels for our most vulnerable families.