A GIRVAN food charity is aiming to raise money to support families through the cost of living crisis.

The Children 1st Girvan Food Pantry is the local branch of Scotland's national children's charity, with one in four children across Ayr, Carrick and Cumnock living in poverty.

Food Pantry users sign up for a membership and pay £2.50 to shop in the pantry and pick up 10 items of their choice, from fresh fruit and vegetables to quality meat and tinned and packaged goods. 

Over 300 families are currently signed up to Girvan Food Pantry, and the team behind it says they need funds to ensure they can meet growing demand and have enough stock for families to have a choice in what they cook and feed their children. 

The team behind the pantry aims to raise £750 on Crowfunder and says that even the smallest donation can help.

Michelle Robertson, Children 1st Service Manager, said: “If we can raise £750 we will be able to fund 25 weekly food shops for the Ayrshire families using our Food Pantry. 

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“We know that people across Ayrshire are worried about the cost of living crisis and we appreciate any donations people feel able to give. 

“Every family should have some choice and be able to make meals they and their children want to eat, but families who are hardest hit by the cost of living crisis don’t get this with a typical food bank. 

“The Food Pantry offers so much more than an affordable food shop. In addition to the dignity of being able to choose what they’ll cook for their children, families can access the other services provided by the Children 1st Carrick Family Wellbeing Service, like emotional support and money advice. 

“Helping families reduce their food costs, have some choice and feel more confident about managing their finances means they can concentrate on keeping their children safe, loved and well.” 

The Children 1st Food Pantry is based at Girvan Primary School.

To donate, visit: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/south-ayrshire-help-tackle-food-insecurity