A Bodmin initiative that fights food waste and provides affordable food has marked its first anniversary.

The Bodmin Way Community Larder operates out of St Petroc’s Parish Centre.

The project has received funding from Feeding Britain, the Rotary Club and Cornwall Council’s Community Chest Fund, as well as logistical support from the broadband company Wildanet, who have helped with deliveries. 

Organiser Abbie Cavalera recalls being offered a large consignment of eggs from St Ewe. She packed as many as she could into her Mini. 

There was more than enough for Bodmin’s community larder – so many that she was able to share the surplus with other foodshare schemes.

The community larder’s initial target was to attract 100 members within a year. In fact, it’s now nearly quadrupled that number.

Having established itself as an important resource for the local community, Abbie is hopeful that the project will eventually become financially self-sustaining to assure its future as a permanent fixture in the town.

Abbie also stresses the importance of the local people who give their time to support the project.

She said: “It all takes an incredible amount of work to organise. We’re so grateful to our volunteers. We couldn’t do it without them.”

As the project has developed over the past year, the scope of its services has grown.

“For many members, it’s become about more than access to affordable fresh food,” Abbie said. “Friendships have blossomed, and other support is now available.”

The community larder opens on Monday evenings and Friday mornings. It also opens for St Petroc’s toddlers group on Tuesday mornings and at the church’s Wednesday lunchtime events for older parishioners. 

During the Friday morning sessions, St Petroc’s Parish Centre now hosts the Kernow Credit Union.

It also provides regular opportunities for visitors to meet representatives of such organisations as Citizens Advice and People Hub. Also present each Friday morning are parish nurse Geraldine Ashton and her assistant Rose Rive, as part of the parish centre’s weekly welcoming community space.