A BORDERS food bank set up at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic is seeking a £12,000 funding boost as demand for its services continues to escalate.

The volunteer-run Lauder Larder is a non-means tested community foodbank for people living in Lauder and the Lauderdale area.

It was established originally to help people made redundant or put on furlough during the pandemic.

But due to the cost of living crisis the number of people accessing it continues to grow.

On Wednesday, June 29, an application will be considered by Lauder Common Good Fund Sub-Committee for £12,000 in assistance to carry out a refit of its stockroom – so that more food can be stocked.

In a submission with the bid, Janet Thomas, secretary of Lauder Larder,  based at Lauder Community Centre at the Byre, says the funding would be used to replace faulty flooring, purchase a freezer, install locks and an alarm system and to have leaflets printed.

She says: “The number of users has increased dramatically since it was established and with the recent cost of living rise and a further one due in October we expect it to increase further.

“We don’t means test as we understand that sometimes people may just need assistance short-term and may not be able to get help elsewhere, others are in ‘the system’ but have to wait six weeks to hear about their application.

“We are there to fill the gap and work with local businesses and the community to gather donations.”