Community food share will offer residents more affordable food options following its launch in Lancefield and Romsey this month.
The food share is open to all community members and works on a ‘swap, share, take or donate basis’ with the adage ‘take what you need, give what you can’.
A range of fresh and non-perishable goods are available through a monthly credit points system, swapping for equal value of goods, volunteering time or by a suggested donation.
The food share aims to support not just people in vulnerable situations but everyone – the initiative seeks to destigmatise views on accessing these types of services. The initiative has Foodbank membership.
“It offers everyone access to affordable groceries and allows those who are able to make a donation supporting the service for those who may be struggling,” explained Vivien Philpotts, Lancefield Neighbourhood House.
The initiative is the latest extension of the joint Lancefield and Romsey Neighbourhood House efforts to cut down on food waste and create more affordable food options.
It all began in 2019 with Feed it Forward – a generosity food movement – which has seen strong community uptake.
Now the movement includes monthly community lunches, meals cooked and delivered to vulnerable people and a community garden space in each town.
Open days
Romsey Food Share is open Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 10am to 2pm, at the kiosk in front of St Mary’s Church.
Lancefield’s pantry is open Wednesdays and Fridays 10.30am to 2pm at the Townhouse, 28 High Street.
People may also make appointments by phoning the Neighbourhood Houses.
Fresh produce has included mandarins, apples, bananas, carrots, potatoes, onions, mushrooms and pears as well as a wide range of non-perishable goods. Pay a visit to see what is available.
Leftover food will be used in the Neighbourhood House’s monthly community lunches. Anyone interested in being on call to help with this can contact the Neighbourhood Houses on: Romsey: 5429 6724, and Lancefield: 5429 1214.
