An inspirational Ely mother has put the phrase ‘waste not want not’ into practice by launching a food project to support the most vulnerable in the community.

Ruth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26).

Bags of veggies, fruit, tinned goods and savoury treats can be donated to the ‘larder’ so that those facing hardship can have access to fresh, nutritious food.

Anyone can put food in and anyone can take out, there is no charge but donations are gladly received.

“Love and food are meant for sharing not for wasting,” is the message of the project, which has been in the early stages for last six weeks.

Ely Standard: Ruth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEYRuth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEY (Image: Archant)

Ruth, who was also crowned Ely Hero earlier this year for her dedication to the community, explained: “The big picture is that Re-imagine can connect the dots and collect resources from businesses that will benefit our community and put them into the hands of those that need them.

“But to do so we all have to talk, share, listen and help each other - so pop in and turn those chats into action.

“I’ve had so many personal notes and emails from families, groups and community organisations that have been helped in these short six weeks it has been running.”

“I can’t wait to see how much of a change we can make to Ely folks in the months ahead.”

Ely Standard: Ruth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEYRuth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEY (Image: Archant)

Ruth continued: “Remember sharing is caring and so many people took a bag of bread, vegetables and eggs for an elderly neighbour last week.

“We have a wonderful community spirit in Ely - together we can put good food in the right hands and not let it go to waste.

“It’s just the right thing to do.”

The Community Larder is working alongside FareShare, Waitrose & Partners and Hubbub to enable food to be shared within the community - firstly being able to support the charities that feed the most vulnerable in the city and surrounding areas.

Ely Standard: Ruth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEYRuth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEY (Image: Archant)

Metro Rod Cambridge, organisers of the Ely Hero Awards. who attended the launch and supported Ruth in her mission, said: “We were very honoured to be part of the official opening of Ely’s first Community Larder.

“The work that Ruth, the Ely Hero winner of 2018 has put into providing this vital service in our community is incredible.

“She is a very inspiring person and works selflessly to give to others. Her commitment to the causes shines through and the Community Larder is no exception.”

Ruth is also looking for local food businesses, schools or groups interested in donating surplus food to get in touch.

Ely Standard: Ruth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEYRuth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEY (Image: Archant)

Visit the Re-Imagine Resource Centre Facebook page for more information.

Ely Standard: Ruth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEYRuth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Ruth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEYRuth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEY (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: Ruth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEYRuth Marley, who runs the Re-Imagine Resource Centre at Witchford, officially opened the Community Larder on Friday (October 26). Pictures: RUTH MARLEY (Image: Archant)