Dawlish Community Larder forms intentional, transformational relationships by supporting local people in emergency need of basic food and other groceries, usually due to financial hardship. In the two years from January 2022 we directly helped 2,000 local people in need, and provided surplus food to thousands more through our waste food deliveries to local schools (we supply fresh produce weekly to three local schools, who are able to get it to hard-to-reach families who are reluctant to come forward for help). People are normally referred to us via our established network of contacts in public sector agencies. Through such community collaboration we are helping to feed isolated families, working together to alleviate poverty and food insecurity by helping individuals and families struggling through the cost-of-living crisis.

Surplus ‘waste’ food donated by local supermarkets and local growers is collected and delivered locally by our small team of trained and qualified volunteers. Many of our clients are struggling with health, financial, relational and mental health issues. The fresh, healthy produce we can provide, in addition to the usual tins and packets that most food banks provide, will reduce food waste, help reduce the negative impact of climate change (40% greenhouse gases come from food waste - UN data), whilst improving the diet, health, immune systems and sense of wellbeing in our community.

ROC (Redeeming Our Communities) Dawlish (rocdawlish.org) is a small charity (founded in 2018) that brings people together to collaborate on innovative projects for the common good. We are a key partner in 'Helping Dawlish', a collaborative team of 12 local organisations, including the main charities and the town council, which was set up in response to the pandemic, but is looking to continue beyond it to help make Dawlish a safer, kinder community.