20th February 2026
Nourish Community Larder Marks 5000th Shop
Nourish Community Larder and Foodbank has marked a significant milestone with its 5000th shop at the Larder. The project has played a key role in supporting people facing food insecurity across Blandford Forum and surrounding villages.
Launched in 2023, the Larder was set up to provide an alternative to emergency food parcels at Nourish Foodbank. It has become a vital resource, giving residents greater choice and supporting long-term stability.
Photo: Gyda, volunteer
Gyda, Nourish’s longest-serving volunteer, has seen it grow from the early days of Blandford Foodbank – having opened with just 150 jars of donated curry sauce – into a thriving hub offering wider support.
When Jo first came to Nourish for a food parcel, she later moved onto the Community Larder, completed cookery and money courses, accessed additional support, and became a valued volunteer herself. Now back in work, she no longer needs the Larder.
“I cannot thank Nourish enough. When I was struggling mentally and financially, they were there for me, not just to help with food but to offer advice, support and a listening ear…
Through Nourish I have managed to do the Money Course which has been very beneficial. It’s helped me to learn how to budget and get myself back on my feet. I haven’t used Nourish for a few months now because I’m in a better place mentally and financially, but I know that if times are hard, they’ll be there to help me again.”
Photo: Nourish Larder
Volunteers like Gyda offer both practical and emotional support, helping residents move towards stability.
Emma, Community Larder Coordinator, said: “Our goal is to offer more than just food; we want people to feel empowered and confident in managing their food security. The Larder is about choice and treating people as individuals.”
Since opening in 2023, the Larder has supported over 250 residents, with more than 50 moving on to manage independently last year alone. Designed to feel welcoming and café-like, it provides a space where people feel both supported and respected.
Gyda added, “It’s not just about food. It’s about giving people choice and dignity, so they leave with their heads held high.”
As the Community Larder reaches its 5000th shop, we want to take this moment to recognise the invaluable resource this larder has provided to the DT11 area, the hundreds of people it has helped through times of financial hardship, and the incredible team who have made this possible. Thank you for all your hard work!
Nourish can only provide this help thanks to vital food and financial donations. Join us by becoming a regular donor, simply follow the link below.
Alternatively, you can keep up to date with our latest food needs by downloading the Bank the Food App from Google Play or the Apple Store below.
