ALDI ROYAL WOOTTON BASSETT

Highworth Community Larder opened on 31 Jan 2023 to help avoid the growing problem of food waste & provide support to anyone needing it by redistributing surplus food which would otherwise go to landfill. As at 21 April 2026 we have redistributed 44.8 tonnes of surplus produce. We wanted to do something positive & helpful for our town and we are aware that there are many families needing support, who are just about managing and some who are really struggling, having to choose between heating or eating. We were enthusiastically supported in the planning stage by Highworth Town Council, Highworth Community Partnership Group, local churches inc. the Bridge project, the drop off point for Swindon Food Collective, several local associations, individuals & Westrop Primary School. They all feel that there is a real need for a Community Larder in Highworth especially in the current economic climate. Our free larder makes a big difference to the whole community of Highworth but particularly those who are struggling, & we have become part of a circular economy by receiving surplus food from local businesses & individuals thereby avoiding waste, extra car journeys etc. We have the enthusiastic support of the Headteacher at Westrop Primary school who allows us the use of a meeting room, fridge & storage space. The school is ideally situated near the centre of town, the doctor’s surgery, pharmacy, & Tesco Express, with plenty of parking & therefore attracts passers-by as well as school families. We advertise in Highworth Link, our local community Magazine & Facebook and Instagram. In December 2024 we were successful in becoming a CIO (Registered Charity Number 1211437). We are open every Tuesday for everyone free of charge & without referral. Depending on the donations we have received there is usually a limit of 5 items/person in common with other Community Larders, but this is flexible depending on the volume of donations and people's needs. We're partnered with Hubbub who run Community Fridge networks & follow all their guidance & procedures including weighing food in & out. We offer an accountable & transparent service, publish regular reviews & updates to demonstrate how much food has been saved from landfill/wastage & how the larder has helped people in Highworth. We believe we make a real difference in our town, both for the environment & in supporting families, individuals & our Larder is a well-received & positive project. We have a good network of volunteers and our registration with Neighbourly is essential for us as to allow local stores to donate to us. Thanks to the generosity of Highworth Town Council we opened a drop in café (in addition to the larder) once a month during the winter months where we offer a warm safe place, free hot drinks and nibbles, and where we can offer signposting & info about local advice & support groups, especially as most support services are in Swindon 6 miles away.

Supporting vulnerable mental health customers in supported Housing – we provide temporary supported housing services to homeless vulnerable people, who live in our projects. We have a combination off shared houses and independent flats to house vulnerable people Assessments based on referrals from linked agencies, local council, mental health team, probation, and social services. support with Housing to reduce homelessness, life skills, cooking skills, shopping planning, money management, debt and budgeting support, support sessions, risk assessments, referrals to other linked agencies for additional support, move on goal planning, help with sourcing donated furniture and becoming independent to eventually move on into independent accommodation.

The West Swindon Parish Council Community Pantry is a local initiative aimed at supporting residents by providing access to surplus food and household items. Open to anyone in need, the goal is to reduce food waste, offer support to those facing financial challenges, and foster a sense of community where friends and neighbours help each other. Through partnerships with local businesses, volunteers, and charitable organisations, the pantry is part of a range of services promoted to assist local families. We are passionate about reducing food waste whilst also supporting access to food sources across West Swindon