Lairg Food Larder

Lairg Larder

The Food Larder project provides households who are struggling with the cost-of-living with free food and other items. LDCI provides both a weekly delivery service and a 'drop in to collect' service.

History of the project

Since 2020, LDCI has been providing a food distribution service within Lairg. Initially we worked in partnership with Kyle of Sutherland Development Trust who kindly donated food for us to deliver from their food 'bothy'. 

In 2023, LDCI was able to purchase a container and portacabin to set up our own independent Food Larder, which we placed on LDCI land in the village. 

For the majority of our clients LDCI operates a delivery service which is run by volunteers.  We also provide a 'drop in' service at the Lairg & District Learning Centre  which is open from Monday to Thursday. They have given us the use of shelves in their downstairs corridor to stock food which anyone who comes to the centre can help themselves to. The shelves are refilled every week.

The service is currently funded by the Robertson Trust which allows us to purchase stock. We also receive deliveries from CFine, and donations from the Church of Scotland congregations from Lairg & Rogart, and from the Lairg Pharmacy. 

By working in partnership with Fareshare (via CFINE) as one of our suppliers, we are also helping to redistribute surplus products from supermarkets  which would otherwise be destined for landfill - so the project is also helping to reduce waste.

Our clients can access the food larder via different routes. Some people are referred to us by other organisations, such as the local Citizens' Advice Bureau or the Highland Council Housing department. Some clients self-refer, and we connect with others through other community groups.  

If you would like to refer yourself or somebody else to the Food Larder - please email: projectofficer@lairginitiative.co.uk