Martin Whitfield MSP has visited community food initiative the Lammermuir Larder in Haddington to thank volunteers and find out more about the project’s work with local families and individuals.

Established in February last year, the project aims to support individuals and families in the Haddington area who are struggling financially to feed themselves or their families. Any people in these circumstances are encouraged to seek assistance by completing a short referral form which is then dealt with confidentially by one person.

The initiative has been supported by Haddington and District Community Council, Haddington Common Good Fund and a wide range of local shops, businesses and other organisations.

Speaking after the visit, Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“I was pleased to visit the Lammermuir Larder and chat to some of the dedicated team of volunteers who run the project, including Pat, Linda and Jacky. I wanted to thank them for everything they’ve been doing to help those struggling to feed themselves or their family in the local area and find out more about the project’s activity and plans.

“Since starting its work last year the project has done fantastic work to support local individuals and families experiencing food poverty. It is clearly a collaborative, community-based effort with many local people and businesses involved in donating items, arranging deliveries and fundraising to support their work.

“It continues to be shocking that such a high level of need exists in our communities, but as long as it is does I’m grateful to the volunteers and supporters of the Lammermuir Larder and other local food projects for everything they’re doing to support local people facing hardship.”

Pat Lemmon, Co-ordinator for the Lammermuir Larder, said:

“It was great to meet Martin and discuss the number of people and the issues that we are currently coming up against.  We are not just a volunteer-led community food initiative, we also signpost people in need onto other agencies who may be able to assist them, such as tenancy support and help with benefits.  It was good being able to discuss the current problems the people in this area are experiencing on a daily basis.

“With Autumn and Winter just round the corner, there will be a high demand for food assistance and our community can all help with this by either donating vital things such as tinned beans, soup, pasta and rice, at one of our donation stations (The Haddington Bridge Centre, Home Bargains, The Food Warehouse, The Co-op, Kevin Watt’s the Butcher’s or at St. Mary’s RC Church), or by monetary donations that can be paid directly into our account (details can be forwarded). 

“The Haddington and Lammermuir community have been really generous in supporting us since we began this project in February 2021, for which we are extremely grateful, with rising energy bills, we will need their support more than ever.”

Find out more about the project and how you can help via their Facebook page or at www.lammermuirlarder.co.uk.