Martha's Pantry: Tackling food poverty in Limerigg and Slamannan
In the face of rising living costs, a community-led initiative in Limerigg and Slamannan is making a significant impact on local food poverty.
Martha's Pantry, established in December 2022, has rapidly become a lifeline for residents in these former mining communities located in the Falkirk Council area.
Limerigg and Slamannan, with a combined population of just over 1,600, face considerable socioeconomic challenges. According to the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation 2020, parts of Slamannan fall within the 20% most deprived areas in Scotland. The communities also have higher rates of carers and Disability Living Allowance claimants compared to the Falkirk Council area average. But the communities also boast a host of committed volunteers and community groups – Martha’s Pantry is one such example.
Martha's Pantry emerged from a collaboration between Slamannan Parish Church and local community groups, who identified an urgent need for food support. The project's journey from concept to reality was significantly aided by the local Community Development Worker, who is hosted by CVS Falkirk & District (the area’s ‘Third Sector Interface’ tasked with supporting local community groups and charities).
The role, designed collaboratively by residents of the area, Foundation Scotland and CVS Falkirk & District, and funded through EDF Renewables Burnhead Moss Windfarm Community Benefit Fund, proved instrumental in guiding the group through its crucial early stages.
A pivotal moment came when Martha's Pantry secured a start-up grant from the Community Fund, which is administered by Foundation Scotland. This timely injection of £3,250 enabled the purchase of essential equipment and initial food stocks, laying a solid foundation for the group’s growth.
The impact has been remarkable. From an initial 30 families, Martha's Pantry now serves over 100 households weekly. Operating from Slamannan Community Centre, the pantry offers a dignified 'shop' where, for a nominal £2 fee, users can select from a range of food items, toiletries, and household goods.
The service has expanded to include cooking demonstrations, fostering valuable life skills among users.
The management Group of Martha's Pantry, emphasised the transformative effect of the EDF Renewables Burnhead grant:
Starting up a new project can be daunting. There are so many things you need to think about, including, “How will it be funded?” Working alongside Gail (the Community Development Worker), we were assisted in the important task of applying for a start-up grant from the EDF Renewables Burnhead Fund through Foundation Scotland. This grant was so important to us, because it enabled our community project to develop in the early stages and become the project it is today. It was particularly helpful to have had Gail on hand to offer guidance (and also an honest opinion) when needed, as we got set up.
The success of Martha's Pantry exemplifies how community-led initiatives, supported by targeted funding and expert guidance, can effectively address local challenges. As the project continues to grow, it stands as a testament to the power of volunteer-led action and the vital role of community benefit funds in nurturing such endeavours.
Malcolm Jack, Community Funds Manager at Foundation Scotland is delighted to see the grant’s impact:
The success of Martha’s Pantry is down to the determination and huge volunteer commitment of local residents. We’re delighted that grant funding has fuelled their success, and equally that the grant-funded Community Development Worker is having the effect we and residents had hoped it would.
Rose Yates, Asset Manager for Burnhead Moss Wind Farm at EDF Renewables is equally delighted:
It is so heartening to see the community benefit fund from our wind farm get put to such great use and in such a collaborative way across the community. We’re delighted to play a small part in this success story. Congratulations to all involved.