Accessibility tools
Powered by 
Translate
Use the boxes below to change the website colours.
Visit disclaimer page for more information about the accessibility tool.
Pantry team welcomes Council Leader
Council Leader Tony Gurney has visited a community larder in Kilbirnie to mark Challenge Poverty Week.
The week-long drive shines a light on poverty and what we can do to help make life better for people who are struggling to make ends meet.
Arranged by the Poverty Alliance charity, the week inspires communities to work together, support each other and find new ways to change attitudes.
This is the eleventh consecutive year the Council has proudly shown its support for Challenge Poverty Week.
North Ayrshire Council’s Fairer Food network comprises 15 food larders, which are run by the Council alongside various partner organisations.
Larders help households to top up their weekly shop and get some additional groceries and support if they receive an unexpected household cost or bill.
Some also operate a community food exchange that sees surplus food being collected from local supermarkets to share with residents.
Iain Campbell - who is chairman of Kilbirnie & Glengarnock Community Association, which manages The Wee School Pantry in Bridgend Community Centre – gave Councillor Gurney a tour of the facility.
He said: “As part of the North Ayrshire Council Fairer Food initiative, we provide nutritious, low-cost food and other essentials to people living in the area who need some support.
“The harsh reality is that many people are still living with food insecurity and getting access to nutritious meals can be challenging.
“However, there is much more to the pantry than simply food – people also pop in for a chat and to get information on other services and support that are available locally.
“We were really pleased to welcome Councillor Gurney, show him around, explain how the pantry operates and demonstrate its importance to the local community.”
In the past year alone, Fairer Food network outlets had more than 26,000 visits from people in need of support across North Ayrshire - saving households more than £215,000.
The Council’s Child Poverty & Early Intervention Fund (CPEIF) was established in the 2023-24 budget to support the Child Poverty Action Plan 2023–2026.
Its aim is to reduce the main drivers of poverty – low income from employment, a lack of income from social security and the high cost of living.
Tackling child poverty is a key pillar in the Council’s priority of transitioning to a wellbeing economy in a way that improves the quality of life for local people.
The Fund has given an additional £100,000 to the network to help sustain access to food – with dignity.
Quote: It was interesting to visit the pantry to see how the Council’s ongoing support is helping those in the community who need a helping hand. Everyone involved, from the Community Association and volunteers to the local community and supermarkets who make donations, is doing a great job in helping people in a compassionate manner. I would encourage anyone who needs support to take the first step and pop into the pantry for a chat. You will receive a warm welcome and there is absolutely no judgement – everyone is there to help.
Quote from: Tony Gurney, Council Leader
The Wee School Pantry team would like to thank NHS Ayrshire & Arran’s Dietetics Department for delivering a taster session for a healthy, affordable Mixed Bean Chilli which was enjoyed by Councillor Gurney and larder customers on the day. In addition, the team also thanks North Ayrshire Foodbank for providing a donation of tinned beans and tomatoes, which were included in a mixed bean chilli recipe pack for customers to take away and make at home.
Published: 08 October 2026