The aim of the Otley Community Larder is to reduce food waste by collecting surplus food from local retailers and distributing it to the local community, on a 'pay as you feel' basis.

Our ambition is to help reduce the amount of food that ends up in landfill and to encourage the wider community to play their role in reducing food waste.

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​Where does the food come from?

Volunteers collect surplus food from supermarkets, local producers and food shops and bring it back to the larder. Collection points are in Otley, Yeadon, Menston , Bramhope and Rawdon.

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Who can use the larder?​

Anyone can visit the larder to collect food, not just those who are in food poverty although we will try to prioritise those who need it most.

It is important to say that whilst we share a building with Otley Social Club, the Community Larder is a completely separate operation in its own unit to the rear of the building. There is strictly no alcohol on site. ​

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Why are we doing this?​

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• To reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in response to the climate emergency - Approximately 8-10% of the world's greenhouse gas emissions relate to food waste!

• To reduce food poverty in our community, with a particular focus on increasing access to fresh food in a area of the town where there is very limited availability - The number of UK children in food poverty has nearly doubled in the last year to almost 4 million.

• To bring people together in a joint enterprise to improve health and well being in our community, and strengthen community links across the whole town

• To provide opportunities for employment and volunteering

• To put the principles of Doughnut Economics into practice for the benefit of our community