WE’RE here for you… As Teignmouth heads back into lockdown, that was the message from the hard working team of the The Teignmouth Mutual Aid Community Larder.

The larder has been running at the Meadow Centre, on every Wednesday morning, between 10am and noon since July, and is now serving nearly 70 people, both children and adults.

Jackie Jackson, of the Teignmouth Mutual Aid Community Larder, says: ‘I am concerned that because of lockdown, the people we help with the Larder may think we have closed.

‘We are staying open, as we are allowed to, as volunteers helping with food and we have enhanced our procedure to be even safer for the lockdown re COVID.

‘We want to make sure people feel welcome, safe and not afraid to come.

‘Many of the people coming find it embarrassing and humiliating to be in this position, and we try to help them to understand that it is not their fault and that lots of people are facing the same dilemmas.

‘I don’t want to talk about the individual stories as they would recognise themselves, but there are so many sad back stories, including illness, single mums coping by themselves and with illness, families with many children, older, frail individuals, and some coping with cancer, or breakdown and mental health issues (particularly those who have been coping with looking after COVID patients).

‘The job losses are beginning to bite, and jobs are harder to come by.

‘Sickness pay doesn’t cover all the bills and food, and we get calls in between Wednesdays, often at the weekend from people who have completely run out and face days without food until their benefit or pay comes through.

‘We keep a pack of emergency supplies in our garage for those people.’

‘Over the weeks we have been open we have packed up hundreds of basic weekly food supplies.

‘Many of the people who come to the Larder did not expect to be in the position they find themselves in, having to choose between paying bills or buying food, or indeed being able to do neither.

‘Many of our visitors hate having to admit they need help, and will let us know immediately if they can manage a week without help.

‘But they are not alone, as many people are struggling, and the numbers are growing steadily.

‘We have tried to make the experience as good as possible, building friendly and caring relationships.

‘We do not require references, nor do we find that people use us unfairly.

‘No-one asks for a toothbrush, or for sanitary equipment, or our tins of beans and peas, when they can really afford to buy them.

‘And it is good to talk….

‘There are so many reasons, and this is such a difficult time for families, for individuals and for couples. Job loss, redundancy, working hours cut, a wait for benefits, mental health, poor sickness pay, or perhaps a relationship breakdown, or ongoing treatment for an illness, all leave a shortfall in the budget that previously worked.

‘This is a new sort of poverty, and people are finding it harder than ever. Together with the fear and anxiety which we are all living with now, this is likely to be the tip of the iceberg.

‘This is also an opportunity to thank the businesses of the town and area, who are supporting everyone by giving us food donations, and basic goods to help.’

‘Tesco in Newton Abbot and in Teignmouth, The Co-Op in Teignmouth, The Riverford Vegetable Company, Mrs Tibbs the Greengrocer and the Teignmouth Farm Shop also help us each week.

‘We have wonderful volunteers and they love working at the Meadow Centre and meeting everyone.

‘Now we face a second lockdown, but we want people to know that we are still here for them, each week, even during lockdown, and with enhanced safety procedures.

‘We will ask people to wear a mask, and we will keep the numbers in the hall down to a very minimum.

‘We provide hand sanitiser and practice social distancing for everyone and a one-way system in and out.

‘So, if you are having a tough time financially, please do come and see us.

‘We will not judge or question, and we will warmly welcome you and keep you safe.

‘We can support with free food and basic goods and will be pleased to meet you!’

Call me

‘If you cannot get to us, give me, Jackie, a ring on 07917 428 680 and we will try to get a supply to you.’