The Sutton on Sea Community Larder was born out of necessity during the COVID-19 pandemic, set up to provide food parcels and essential shopping for those in need. But today, it’s more than just a food bank — it's a lifeline for a struggling community.

In addition to food, the Larder offers a range of valuable services, including clothing, a baby bank, a school uniform bank, toys and even pet food. Recently, they’ve also installed a community fridge in their car park, ensuring people have easy access to fresh food. The Larder even provides a “warm space” for locals to gather, particularly vital during the colder months.

Each week, over 120 food parcels are distributed to a wide range of people: families, the elderly, those living alone, individuals with disabilities, people experiencing homelessness, and women escaping domestic violence. For many, it’s a lifeline.

Steffi, who runs the Community Larder, sees firsthand the devastating impact of the cost-of-living crisis. "The cost of living is still a problem," she says. "Rents have gone up; gas, electric, everything’s gone up. We have a lot of elderly people here, and means-testing the winter fuel payments is having a huge impact. Many are just a couple of pounds over the Pension Credit threshold, and they’re having to choose between putting on the heating or doing the weekly shop."

A Village in Need

Sutton on Sea may seem like an idyllic holiday destination along the Lincolnshire coast, but for many of the locals, life is far from easy. Seasonal employment means that jobs dry up between November and March, leaving many out of work for months. To make matters worse, public transport is limited, with many bus services cancelled during COVID and never reinstated. Without reliable transport, many residents are unable to travel to affordable shops, pushing the price of essentials even higher.

FareShare Midlands: A Lifeline for the Community

Thanks to FareShare Midlands, the Sutton on Sea Community Larder is able to stock essential items that make a real difference in people's lives. "From FareShare, we get things like burgers, sausages, fruit and veg, tins of beans and sweetcorn, pasta—and recently there were frozen chickens," Steffi says. "The ready meals are great for the older people, and I always try to add some tinned vegetables into their parcels. For families, I pack more child-friendly items like meatballs and hotdogs. And everyone gets a packet of biscuits—they need a little treat."

With Halloween around the corner, Steffi is already planning. "We set aside any sweets for Halloween, and anything like meat, gravy, mince pies, Christmas puddings, or custard goes straight to my Christmas stock. I prepare 125 Christmas parcels every year."

Yet despite the difference the Larder makes, many people still feel ashamed to ask for help. "There’s a lot of shame around using a food bank," Steffi notes. "It’s not an easy decision for anyone." Some are still suffering the effects of COVID-19, with many people feeling isolated and fearful. "We’ve got a couple who haven’t left their house since COVID. They were shielding, and they’ve never been out since. We prepare a full parcel for them every week. About once a month, they send an email saying thank you. You can’t imagine the difference it makes to them."

Without FareShare, We Wouldn't Survive

Steffi is clear about the impact FareShare Midlands has on the Larder — and on the entire community. "I'll just say it's a right help, and I don't know how I'd cope without you, to be honest," she says. "When there was a chance the food might stop, I went into panic mode. I knew we could get some money from the council, but it wouldn’t last long enough. If it weren’t for FareShare Midlands, I’d have been closed a long time ago."

Help Us Keep Supporting Communities Like Sutton on Sea

The Sutton on Sea Community Larder is just one of over 800 local charities and community organisations that rely on FareShare Midlands for essential food supplies. But to continue this vital work, we need your help.

Your donation can help us support more community organisations, ensuring they have the food and resources needed to lift people out of crisis and into a better future.