Craig Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, has visited the Lammermuir Larder in Haddington where he saw first-hand the outstanding work being carried out in the community.
During his visit, Craig met with founder Pat Lemmon and the Chairman of The Bridge Centre, Jamie Crichton, where he discussed the challenges which the new service has faced during the Covid pandemic.
The Lammermuir Larder is a local community food initiative set up to support individuals and families in the Haddington and Lammermuir area who are struggling financially to feed themselves or their families. Regular deliveries take place in Haddington and Gifford.
Craig said: “The Lammermuir Larder is providing a vital service for the local community during a very difficult time for many households. I look forward to working with the team to promote the work of the Larder and to engage social services and NHS Lothian to encourage referrals from within the Haddington and Lammermuir area.”
Craig, who is also the local ward councillor and a shadow Scottish Health Minister, used the opportunity to thank local volunteers for what they are doing and gave a commitment to working with social services and NHS Lothian to seek to raise the profile of this important local resource.
He added: “I would like to thank Pat Lemmon and Jamie Crichton, along with the volunteers, donors and local retailers, for getting this important community resource established. The Covid pandemic has put a huge strain on some families and the Larder has already been a real help to those in need.”
The Larder was established by local volunteers and receives support from the Haddington & District Community Council and local supermarkets and businesses. Anyone at any time and for whatever reason may need support and the facility is operated on a non-judgemental and easy to access basis.
The Larder is presently based at The Bridge Centre in Haddington, which is operated by East Lothian Council in conjunction with the Lamp of Lothian Trust.
