LOCAL charity Otley 2030 has been awarded a grant by The National Lottery to employ a supervisor at Otley Community Larder.
Otley Community Larder, situated at Otley Social Club on the Weston Estate, has been going from strength to strength since opening in September.
There are over 30 regular volunteers, who collect food from local retailers and make it available for anybody to take on a ‘pay as you feel’ basis. The Larder is currently open Tuesdays, 2:15pm-3:15pm and Thursdays, 6:15pm-7:15pm, and hopefully Saturday sessions will be coming soon.
The Community Larder Steering Group has big ambitions to extend the project and this was boosted in December when they heard that they had been successful in applying to The National Lottery Community Fund.
The funding will pay for vital renovations to the site, employing a supervisor for two years, and the purchase of an e-cargo bike that will enable the Larder to reduce its carbon footprint.
A spokesperson for Otley 2030 said: "Recruitment for the supervisor is currently underway. The job is for two days a week and main responsibilities will include ensuring the smooth running of the Larder and the recruitment and supervision of volunteers. The group is looking for somebody who is flexible and good with people, and understands issues around food waste and connecting with the local community.
"Now that the Larder is established and food supplies are fairly regular and consistent, Otley 2030 will also be looking to open on a Saturday, in order to make it more accessible to people who are busy during the week. This means they are currently looking for more volunteers. Volunteer roles include food collection from local retailers, distribution of food at Larder sessions, design, and administration.
"The Larder will also soon take receipt of two planters, designed and built by volunteers at Wharfedale Men’s Shed. Volunteers will grow vegetables and herbs in these to supplement what is being offered in the Larder."
For more details about the job and volunteering, please visit www.otley2030.com/larder
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