ALVECHURCH Community Larder, which was set up in 2022, has been recognised by the High Sheriff of Worcestershire for its good work.
Charles Moyle JP presented the group with a certificate for all their efforts in helping so many people.
The project began three years ago when Churches Together in Alvechurch and Rowney Green ran a Lent study course called ‘Life on the Breadline’ which was open to the wider community.
From that group, a desire to do something for the village and the idea of a Community Larder was born.
The organisers recognised there were a number of people who, despite finding life difficult financially, did not qualify for or were unable to access the Redditch foodbank or felt ashamed to need support.
The group looked at various models to decide which one was right for the village and the Alvechurch Community Larder opened in December 2022.
It aims to work for the wellbeing of the whole community and help reduce food waste at the same time.
The Larder collects and redistributes surplus food from local supermarkets and is assisted by the charities Fareshare, Neighbourly and Foodiverse.
A spokesperson for the group said: “We had a generous donation and funds from the parish council to get us up and running and Alvechurch Baptist Church took a leap of faith and gave us a home, possibly not realising just how much that would entail.
“Volunteers responded and they are truly our prized asset.”
There are a number of roles to make the Larder operate – from food collection and sorting, reception and being a personal shopper for clients to serving hot drinks and offering a friendly ear (listener) where needed.
The spokesperson added: “We started with 20 people attending one session a week, but now routinely help 80 over two sessions every week.
“But the surprise has been the growth of the social network for everyone.
“The volunteers gain, knowing they are involved with a really useful project, and the clients have bonded together in a way that has made their visit a social occasion every week, something known to be vital for everyone’s wellbeing.”
The project has saved 30,396kgg of CO2 by redistributing food that would have otherwise gone to landfill. And, in an added bonus, the Larder has provided placements for Duke of Edinburgh students as well as adults needing workplace experience.
The spokesperson said: “Our listeners have been able to signpost to other services and we have a number of organisations visiting regularly such as the police, fire, energy advisers and our local social housing agency.”
In February 2025, the Larder hosted a forum for other social providers and charities to help them to bring more support into the small community. Several of these are going to return on a regular basis, now they are more aware of the needs the project has.
Describing the Larder as ‘the jewel in Alvechurch’s crown, Mr Moyles said: “This dedicated team of volunteers creates a safe and dignified place for local residents to access much-needed support.
“Moreover the Larder prides itself on two key areas.
“Firstly they minimise supermarket food wastage to the extent almost everything offered is consumed and secondly, its unique approach ensures each recipient also has the services of a ‘personal shopper’ to accompany them.
“This has the secondary benefit of allowing those most in need to discreetly discuss whatever their personal issues might be – and thus solutions can be found.
“An outstanding team of volunteers delivering great care in the community – Worcestershire and Alvechurch are lucky to have them.”
The Larder is currently seeking charity status which will help further improve funding and services.
For more information on accessing or helping the Alvechurch Community Larder email [email protected].
