Douglas Alexander MP and Martin Whitfield MSP have visited The Lammermuir Larder for an update on the latest help and support the community food and advice service is providing to people in need in Haddington and the surrounding areas.

The volunteer-led community service, which began providing emergency food parcels to local people in 2021, has since expanded its services to become a vital lifeline for those facing financial hardship, food insecurity and social isolation.

Based on Church Street in Haddington, the organisation is now working to help address the root causes of food poverty and insecurity by providing advice and support on benefits, housing, energy and other issues.

The Larder’s advice service is run by Advocacy Worker Heather Bowsher, who welcomed Mr Whitfield and Mr Alexander to the service and updated them on some of its latest developments. Its newest initiative is the community shop, opened earlier this year, which operates three times a week: on Mondays, from 10am to noon and 1-3pm; and Thursdays, from 5pm to 6.30pm.

Douglas Alexander MP said:

“This was my first visit to The Lammermuir Larder, and I was highly impressed with the compassion and practical advice and assistance it is providing to people in need in the Haddington area.

“It’s a brilliant and much-needed service and I was pleased to hear more from Heather about the positive impact it’s having on the lives of local people who are struggling with essentials like food and housing.”

Martin Whitfield MSP said:

“The Lammermuir Larder is providing a vital range of services helping local families and individuals experiencing hardship for a variety of reasons.

“It offers a one-stop source of help and support with immediate issues like putting food on the table, as well as help dealing with the causes of financial insecurity and poverty, and I was delighted to hear from Heather about the welcome difference it’s making to people’s lives.”

Helen Carter, Co-ordinator of The Lammermuir Larder, said:

“We were pleased to welcome Douglas Alexander and Martin Whitfield to the Lammermuir Larder. We took the opportunity to discuss with them the challenges faced by those experiencing hardship in our community and to highlight the support we provide in Haddington and the surrounding villages.” 

Anyone looking for more information can contact the Larder on 07955 148041 or email admin@lammermuirlardergroup.com.