New community food shop is open to all
A welcoming community food shop is up and running after relocating to help make life easier for more people living in Ardrossan.
The Community Food Shop, 14 Glasgow Street, has been set up by Ardrossan South Larder and is supported by North Ayrshire Council’s Fairer Food network, which comprises 16 food larders with various partner organisations.
Ardrossan South Larder used to be based in the Church of the Nazarene but has been rebranded and is now open in its new home just along the street.
Larders help people in low-income households across North Ayrshire to top up their weekly shop and get some additional groceries and support if they receive an unexpected household cost or bill.
Some, including the new one in Glasgow Street, also operate a community food exchange that sees surplus food being collected from local supermarkets to share with residents.
Ardrossan South Larder is part of North Ayrshire Food Bank, which is affiliated to the Trussell Trust.
Craig Crothswaite, North Ayrshire Foodbank, explained: “The shop has two functions – the first is the larder project, which we originally operated from the church. We are keen to see if being in a shop front now will encourage the wider community to come in and use the larder.
“The other side of the shop – the community food exchange - is more to do with food waste, and supermarkets donate lots of fresh produce to us. The aim of this is to reduce food waste and stop food going to landfill, and anybody who lives in North Ayrshire is welcome to come in and take these goods.”
Quote: Our network of larders and community shops provide a very important service to people who need a helping hand when it comes to their weekly groceries. I wish everyone involved in the Community Food Shop all the best and I would encourage anyone who lives locally to go into the shop to say hello to the team and find out more about what is on offer and how things run.
Quote from: Councillor Tony Gurney, Cabinet Member for Green Environment and Economy
Winton Primary School pupils Adam MacPherson and Layla Robertson, both aged 11 and in P7, designed the signage for the shop.
“They were separate posters that were merged together. On top of the text, I drew five different people of different diversities to show that anyone is welcome,” said Layla, while Adam added: “I enjoyed everything about designing the logo because I really like to draw. It was a great experience.”
The Community Food Shop is open Monday to Friday from 3pm until 6pm. The team will offer a warm welcome to anyone who wants to become a member, donate to or take items from the community food exchange or volunteer.
You don’t need to be a member to access the community food exchange – this is open to everyone.
There is a £4 per week fee to join the larder and you must live in Ardrossan South (below the High Road, including Ardrossan Academy area to the coastline) to join.
There is helpful Cost-of-Living support information on the Council’s website where you will find a referral form for various avenues of support, budgeting tips and health and well-being guidance.
Please note: Find out more about the foodbank and wider network of community larders, including how to become a member or volunteer, across North Ayrshire. A map of the larders in communities across North Ayrshire is here. Each one operates slightly differently.
Published: 08 May 2025