Food redistribution charity FareShare Central and South East, in partnership with Cyrenians, is seeking new charities and community groups across the city that could benefit from fresh, in-date surplus food.
The initiative forms part of a nationwide project with British Red Cross in partnership with Co-op, and aims to reach 400 charities tackling loneliness in their communities.
Loneliness has been linked to a range of damaging health impacts, like heart disease, stroke and Alzheimer’s disease. But the problem doesn’t just affect older people. British Red Cross’s report: Trapped in a Bubble, finds that young mums, people with mobility or health issues, people who have recently divorced, separated or become bereaved, and those whose children have left home are also at greater risk of social isolation.
Every year the Edinburgh warehouse takes 325 tonnes of good quality surplus food from the food industry, and redistributes it to charities and community groups who create nutritious meals which they deliver along with their vital services. These include community cafes, older peoples’ drop ins and family centres.
One such charity is Grassmarket Community Project, which provides support for some of the most isolated and disengaged people in Edinburgh, including adults suffering from homelessness and people with physical and mental health problems. They operate a community café and drop-in free meal service, as well and offering a range of social integration and educational activities, such as cookery and baking classes, art, IT, and reading & writing classes.
Olivia Field, loneliness and social isolation policy lead at the British Red Cross, said: “The British Red Cross and Co-op are committed to tackling loneliness and through our collaboration with FareShare we will be able to reach many more people who may be feeling isolated.
“We know from our own research that loneliness can and does affect people of all ages and backgrounds. Re-connecting with your community, such as through a meal at a local community centre, can help people forge friendships and social networks which can build resilience and prevent loneliness becoming a chronic way of life.”
Lynne Collie, Service Manager at Cyrenians FareShare Central and South East Scotland, said: “Here at the Cyrenians FareShare Central and South East Scotland depot is we believe that everyone should have something good to eat and someone to eat with and we are proud to work alongside the British Red Cross in this campaign that mirrors our mission and ethos.”
If you’re a community group who could benefit from surplus food, including fresh fruit and veg, bread, dairy products, fish and meat then get in touch with FareShare at fareshare.org.uk.
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