Be the change you want to see

“As a child, I saw empty cupboards at home, and I know how it feels. That’s what inspired me to set up Sleaford Community Larder, almost 15 years ago”, said Rod Munro, volunteer at Sleaford Community Larder.

Sleaford Community Larder now receives around 1,300 referrals every year and is supported by a team of six volunteers. It serves the North Kesteven area and runs on a referral basis, with 40 organisations regularly signposting people through.

Some of their busiest periods include half-term, summer holidays, and Christmas.

Rod said: “In families where children ordinarily get free school meals, school holidays can be particularly hard, because it means parents need to provide extra meals. That’s why we see an uplift in referrals during those periods.

“Single people are also vulnerable, because when something goes wrong, they haven’t got another income to fall back on.”

Lina’s story

Lina, a single mum living in the Sleaford area, received help from the Larder when she needed it most.

She said: “Before I had to use a food bank, I didn’t even know that they existed.

“It was 2018 and I was working in hospitality; on my feet all day, in a very physically demanding job. But when my health started to decline, I had no choice but to leave while I waited for an operation.

“I still had bills to pay and spent all my savings on just getting by. In the end, I only had £1 left to my name. I was desperate.

“Financial struggles don’t just impact the practical side of things, like being able to put food on the table, but it can really affect how you feel as well. I was pulling out my hair with stress.

“I had never needed to ask for help before, and to be honest I felt embarrassed and scared. But I knew I had to put my own feelings aside for my boy, who was only five years old at the time.

“I arrived at the Community Larder feeling anxious; I thought I might be lectured or judged.

“Instead, I was shown that actually, it’s okay not to be okay.

“I felt welcomed and cared for. The team went above and beyond for me; they made sure I was given food that was suitable for my family’s needs and, as we were nearing Christmas, they ensured that I had all I needed to celebrate the season with my son, too.

“I don’t know what I would have done without their help.”

A few months later, Lina was able to return to work and began volunteering at the food bank.

She said: “It’s rewarding to be able to support others. When they come in, I understand how they feel, because I’ve been there myself.”

Community Champions

We are currently supporting food banks, through our Community Champions scheme.

Every time you shop with your dividend card, we make a donation.

If you’re able to, you can also donate supplies in our food stores or at one of our food bank drives.

We also have collection tins in all our outlets, where you can donate change.

Find out more about the scheme here.