RESIDENTS were given the opportunity to discuss the possibility of setting up a Community Pantry in Muirkirk last week.

A special event cooked up a storm, with volunteers from Yip World, Community Association, Community Hub, Community Council, East Ayrshire Council catering, Vibrant Communities, Head Teacher and Teaching Staff all in attendance.

The event included a cookery demonstration by East Ayrshire Council’s catering service team.

Community Pantries are only one aspect of the council’s dignified food initiative, whereby they would make food provisions discretely available for vulnerable members of the community.

The premise behind the pantry model is that people pay a small donation for ingredients or ready-made meals. The provisions are surplus food supplies donated by Fare Share, local supermarkets and any surplus from school meal supplies.

The council are already in discussions with other community groups interested in setting up community larders.