ALDI CASTLE DOUGLAS

Stepping Stones was formed in March 2021 as a foodbank to combat the covid pandemic. It remained during the cost of living crisis until 2023 where we had to look at ways to make the project more financially sustainable for the longer term. The Community Larder was formed in July 2023 to date we have over 500 members . We regularly provide up to 90 baskets of food weekly at a reduced cost. A single member can get 10 items plus free fruit&veg/bread for £4 per week. A family membership can get 20 items of food plus free fruit &veg/bread for £8 per week. We now offer a mid-range shop of 15 items for £6 - meaning items cost only 40p each to the member. We spend £250 per week on regular staple items to provide, and are able to supply free produce and often bakery items thanks to schemes like FareShare, Caboodle and Neighbourly. The previous foodbank numbers have mostly transitioned to the larder and we now have a regular base of weekly shoppers who we are able to support. Emergency parcels are still available. We have 17 volunteers and support 4 volunteers with ASN including supported school aged young people. We are an inviting community hub offering warm drinks and chat to those more socially isolated than others. We also provide free warm clothes in winter and have recently launched a Kitchen Starter Pack scheme to help the most vulnerable. We continue to fight against food poverty and donations, surplus and fundraising are our very lifeline as local funding becomes more difficult to obtain. We regularly run raffles in-store and online to raise funds to keeps us going as a community project. The larder has a very welcoming and friendly atmosphere, we strive to help our members and anyone referred to us, and we are proud to say that we are a "Larder Open to All" - regardless of status.