From Monday 25 January, residents in Kilwinning will have the opportunity to
get local access to a variety of low-cost produce, as well as personal hygiene
products. They will be able to pick the produce themselves in a shop-like
the environment at the Woodwynd’s Wee Shoap.
North Ayrshire Council has been supporting its community organisations as
they co-produce a North Ayrshire community food network, following on from
the initial coronavirus lockdown. Good examples of community food provision
have been developed at Fullarton Community Hub in Irvine and Café Solace.
Woodwynd’s Wee Shoap in Kilwinning follows the successful launch of
Ardrossan’s Quaint Larder late last year. Both work on a membership basis
and provide a mini supermarket-like environment where residents have the
opportunity to choose their own food. This is a more dignified approach to food
insecurity and helps make their money go further by giving them access to
good food at a lower cost.
Residents will be asked to pay £3 per visit and in return, select a choice of
food, including fresh produce, up to the value of £15.
Unlike a food bank, the pantry is not emergency food provision, and no
referral is required to access the Wee Shoap. Membership is open to
everyone and all that is needed to join the scheme is a letter to confirm your
name and address.
Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, the shop is currently operating on an
appointment-only basis. It will be open on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday
from 10am – 3pm. To make an appointment please call 07719 480 807
between 10am – 3pm, Monday to Friday. Alternatively, you can send a private
message to the ACES Woodwynd Facebook page or Twitter account
(@ACESWoodwynd).
PRESS RELEASE
Colin Young, from Woodwynd Community Association and ACES, said: “After
our Neighbours helping Neighbours project which saw us deliver over 6,000
support parcels, we recognised there was a need for longer-term support to
the residents in Woowdynd.
“The objective is for Woodwynd's Wee Shoap to offer further friendly, dignified
and affordable food support families and residents who may benefit from our
provision.”
Councillor Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “With
Covid-19 restrictions still in place, this continues to be a difficult time for so
many and we know that resources like the Woodwynd’s Wee Shoap will be a
welcomed addition to the community.
“I want to thank everyone who helped to get this facility up and running, and to
everyone who has donated items to the pantry. The support within our
communities really is inspiring.
“We will continue to work hard to help other community organisations provide
food through community fridges and pantries in the next few months.”
If you would like to donate items to the larder or if you would like more
information, please call 07719 480 807 or messages the ACES Woodwynd
Facebook page.