A community in Newton Poppleford now has a food larder open for residents.

The Newton Poppleford Community Larder (NPCL) aims to prevent food wastage and support families, opening its doors on Wednesday, October 30, 2024.

The initiative, backed by Fareshare, a national network of charitable food redistributors, will receive weekly food deliveries.

The larder is a place where residents can not only collect food but also socialise over a cup of tea.

It will be open every Wednesday from 3pm to 6pm, welcoming residents from Newton Poppleford, Venn Ottery, and Harpford Parish.

The opening event saw the attendance of dignitaries such as Reverend Lydia Cook, Councillor Chris Burhop, Parish Council Chair Susan Tribble, and representatives from various organisations that have donated to the NPCL.

These included Councillor Jess Bailey of Devon County Council, John Varley, Trustee of Lord Clinton's Charitable Trust, and a team from The Newton Poppleford Community Café.

Representatives from The Lions Club of Sidmouth, Pride Hair Studio, and Fix My Boiler, who have provided support and funding, were also present.

The larder also acknowledged the volunteers from The Budleigh Salterton Community Larder, led by Carole Brown, for their advice and guidance from the project's inception.

Councillor Chris Burhop expressed his gratitude to the team for their efforts in establishing the larder.

He emphasised the importance of reducing food waste and highlighted how the larder could foster community spirit.