Coltness Community Larder, a crucial resource in Wishaw providing food and essentials to those in need, is set to close its doors for the final time this week. Despite three years of operation assisting families and individuals in the area, the larder has reached a point where it can no longer meet the increasing demand. Reliant on donations and volunteers from the local community, the larder was established by Coltness Community Council during the festive season of 2022. Initially located at Carrick Hall, it later moved to St Mark’s Church hall on Coltness Road, offering daytime service on Fridays.
In an announcement on social media, the community council revealed the heartbreaking decision to permanently close the larder on Friday, December 13. Lead volunteer Angela Kyle expressed the difficulty of this choice, citing financial unsustainability as the primary reason. While receiving donations from generous community members and occasional support from local supermarkets like Morrisons and Tesco Express, the larder struggled to maintain operations due to the overwhelming number of people in need.
With volunteers facing physical limitations and logistical challenges, the closure of Coltness Community Larder will leave a gap in the community support network. Despite efforts to redirect individuals to other food banks in the area, the unique connection and grassroots support offered by the larder will be sorely missed by many.
Reflecting on the impact of the closure, Angela Kyle acknowledged the kindness and generosity of supporters but highlighted the unfair burden placed on community members to sustain the larder. The closure represents a loss not only of essential provisions but also of a compassionate and inclusive space that brought people together in times of need.
John Carr, chair of Coltness Community Council, emphasised the financial strain faced by the volunteer-run larder and the challenges of meeting the escalating demand for services. While acknowledging the friendships formed and the stories shared, he acknowledged the difficult reality of having to make tough decisions in the face of limited resources.
In the wake of this closure, the community is left to grapple with the impact on those who relied on the larder for support, underscoring the ongoing struggle to address food insecurity and poverty at a local level. The legacy of Coltness Community Larder serves as a reminder of the vital role community-led initiatives play in supporting vulnerable individuals and families, calling for continued efforts to address systemic issues contributing to economic hardship and food insecurity.