Popular Fife food truck donates 5000 meals to food scheme

Lily’s Larder, based at The Temple car park in Lower Largo, started supporting the People’s Pantry in Leven after the outbreak of Covid-19.

The pantry aims to reduce food waste by allowing Levenmouth residents to refill containers with a range of products, such as pasta, rice and coffee, all for a small weekly sum.

The van, which has been serving hot filled rolls, soups, stews and burgers for the last two years, was forced to shut when the pandemic began, but owners Helen and David Peacock wanted to keep supporting the community. It was then that customers told them all about the pantry.

"We got in touch with Billy at the pantry and realised that we shared their goals and ambitions of reducing food waste, while simultaneously helping members be part of a scheme that offered nutritious meals and food stuffs in a sustainable and great value for money way,” said David.

“In the short time they have been in Leven, thanks to all the hard work of the folk organising and working there, and local business contributions, The People's Pantry has prevented an average of six tonnes of food waste a month, and this has helped its members save over £170k in the past year.

“In the 10 months that we have been working with them, we have strived to deliver at least 100 meals per week, often surpassing that target, and last week we reached a milestone.”

David and Helen are now hoping to re-open Lily’s Larder at The Temple in April, and are looking forward to catching up with customers and serving up their popular grub.

The pair have also teamed up with the owners of the former Largo Baptist Church – Andy and Carol Duff – and have agreed to set up a new food service.

David said: “We have set a target of the start of June to open Lily's Larder @ The Aurrie - a window service, serving our usual fare. Thereafter, our aim is to help and work with Andy and Carol to fulfil their vision for all the community use projects that are envisioned as we move forward.”

The aim is to use the building as a community space, with plans for creative areas for local artists, and performance venue.