Community pop-up shop will take pressure off Portsmouth residents as Landport Larder opens its doors

Portsmouth residents will now be able to access the Landport Larder after it opened earlier today.

This community shop is designed to take some pressure off the community following the effects of the pandemic.

For just £3.50 a week, people can select 10 items from a selection of tins, chilled items, and fresh fruit and veg.

They will be able to take home groceries which would cost an average of £15 from the supermarket.

The larder has been set up by Enable Ability at Landport Community Centre, with financial support from housing provider Abri.

Alan Jenkins, community centre manager, said; ‘We wanted to do something to support our community, so we decided to set up the Landport Larder to help make sure no one would go without nutritious food.

‘It’s open to everyone, whether you’re on benefits or not. All you need to do is simply turn up, sign up as a member for £1, and then you can come down every week and buy your items.’

Abri has provided £1,500 funding, which will cover Fareshare supplies for the larder for six months.

Paula Windebank, community development officer at the firm, said: ‘We’re proud to support the Landport Larder and help our community access fresh, healthy, affordable food.

‘It’s part of our five-year £15m investment to create thriving communities and empower lives, making sure we’re delivering change where it’s needed most.’

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The Landport Larder was opened by Stephen Morgan, MP for Portsmouth South.

He said: ‘It’s great to see initiatives like the Landport Larder offer much needed support to our communities.

‘While we know that the pandemic has hit us all hard, it has also brought communities together, supporting each other and coming up with new, creative ways to help others.

‘I hope we see more initiatives like this to create a positive legacy for what has been a hard time for us all.’

The Landport Larder will be open on Tuesdays, from 10am to 1pm at Landport Community Centre in Charles Street.

Customers will need to bring their own bag to take items home in and will need to wear a mask while in the centre.

Visit landportcc.org.uk for more information.

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