Following months of collaborative work with Feeding Devon and receiving food to share amongst the community from Devon & Cornwall Food Action, the Horrabridge Love Your Neighbour initiative has secured a Community Food Hub for the village.

This Wednesday (January 5) from 3 - 4.15pm, the first Community Food Hub will operate in the form of a pop-up food store at Horrabridge Youth Club and is open to anyone who wishes to buy fresh produce such as fruit and vegetables, tinned foods and toiletries (for a donation).

Ali Mansfield, Methodist pioneer, community outreach worker for Horrabridge and leader of the Love Your Neighbour initiative, has joined forces with Rachel Harrison-French from Community Kitchen Hub and began fervently endeavouring to set up a local pop-up food store for the village in November after visiting successful stores in nearby places such as Princetown.

The aim of these stores is to reduce food waste and help feed individuals and families in local areas, predominantly those on low income and/or struggling to pay rising bills. By working with nearby food distributors, food close to sell or use by dates can be purchased at a reduced rate (compared to a retailer), therefore benefitting the community as a whole.

Ali said: ‘This is for people and families who are needing just a little extra support. It’s important to let communities know that no matter what they’re going through, there is support out there. Community brings unity and when we work as a force, amazing things can happen.’

In weeks to come a new Community Food Hub private Facebook page will be created for those who would like make orders for £15 food boxes, plus a system to register for free. This helps the team to know who needs what and check dietary requirements.

Those who are interested or have any questions are encouraged to contact [email protected] or [email protected].