On a sunny winter’s day, Romsey community foodshare volunteers greet residents with a smile and offer a place of respite amid the country’s increasing cost of living.
Located on the corner of Main Street and Barry Street, the foodshare has been operating for about two years and offers residents an opportunity to buy, swap, sell, take or donate.
Volunteer Val Stannard said anyone can use the foodshare and it is important with the cost of living continuing to increase.
“Anybody that’s on benefits can use it, the general public, the homeless, just anyone,” Ms Stannard said.
“[It’s needed because] the cost of living is going through the roof [and] people are vulnerable to everything.
“There’s a lot of old people that come here and it’s like their weekly outing, they have a chit chat with us and catch up, it’s a social event.”
Ms Stannard said there has been an increase in usage of the service as the cost of living has continued to rise, fellow volunteer Duane Eisele nods in agreement.
“It’s spasmodic,” she said, “you know it depends, if it’s raining who wants to be out… [but] anyone struggling can [come down].”
If you are not struggling Ms Stannard said residents can help out by donating food and sanitation products.
“They can help by donating, we greatly appreciate all donations … [especially] personal hygiene products and milk.”
Zoe Moffatt
