It operates from the rear of Ferndown Day Centre, where frozen, chilled and dried goods are available to all residents regardless of circumstances.

Items of short ‘use by’ and past ‘best before’ foods from retailers are available for no charge, and there is also the opportunity to pass on surplus, unopened goods. Cooked, baked or homegrown items may also be donated, subject to a few conditions. The aim is to reduce food waste as well as alleviate the problems caused by poverty.

The establishment of the larder has been made possible thanks the efforts of volunteers, however, more help is needed, particularly during the afternoons, and to collect food from supermarkets and retailers at various times of the week. All volunteers will be provided with a Food Hygiene course, optional uniform and fuel reimbursement.

Ferndown Community Support director, Hannah Hobbs-Chell, said: “We are really excited about the community larder, and have had a great group of core volunteers setting this up, but we desperately need more now to keep it going.

“We have other volunteering opportunities also, such as shopping and prescription delivery, teaching people to shop online and assisting with travel to appointments. We’ve grown from a Facebook page to a Community Interest Company and intend to continue and expand our offering for as long as possible as it is clear that the community appreciates and needs this.

“A massive thank you to all our volunteers, and to those businesses and organisations that have supported us in our endeavours, including Moordown Contractors, Tesco, Dorset Council, Ferndown Town Council, Ferndown Day Centre, and others.”

Ferndown community larder plans to open Monday to Friday, 2-5pm, and Saturday 10.30am-1pm, provided volunteers are available. If you would like to get involved, visit www.ferndowncommunitycoronavirussupport.org.uk or call 01202 936121.