This website uses cookies for anonymised analytics and for account authentication. See our privacy and cookies policies for more information.





The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Edinburgh food project launched

This news post is almost 4 years old
 

City of Edinburgh Council and voluntary sector organisations have teamed up to ensure communities can access vital food supplies

A food distribution network is set to be created to help Edinburgh’s most vulnerable citizens.

The project is set to be created as part of an unique partnership between the City of Edinburgh Council, Edinburgh Voluntary Organisations’ Council (EVOC) and the wider community and voluntary sector.

The plans will see over 3,000 emergency food parcels delivered across the first fortnight to people who are having difficulty accessing food as a result of the coronavirus outbreak. Further roll out will take place following this, based on demand.

The partnership, created from the capital’s £1.65m share of the Scottish Government Food Fund, will see the authority identify those most in need for the food and essential items with EVOC responsible for the distribution.

The network will follow Scottish Government guidelines on eligibility which includes: low income households; families with children eligible for free school meals; older people; and those with long-term health conditions.

The supplies will be stored at four school hubs which will act as depots for the packing and distribution. Demand will be regularly reviewed to make sure the parcels are being targeted to those most in need. Hot meals will also be provided to those in greatest need, who for a variety of reasons, may be unable to prepare their own meals.

This funding is in addition to the ongoing support for the wider third sector through the Scotland-wide £350m charity support fund made available last month.

Council leader Adam McVey said: “This food distribution network is going to tackle the very real and emerging demand from those vulnerable people who find themselves without enough food because they’re self-isolating.

“We’re committed to supporting them through these unprecedented challenges and we’ll do everything in our power to help them thanks to this £1.65m boost from the Scottish Government.

“We’ve already been delivering thousands of food parcels across the city to those in our care and families who are struggling to cope. These supplies are not a short-term fix – we will make sure they continue for as long as they are needed.”

Ella Simpson, chief executive of EVOC, said: “For the last four weeks the third and community sector has been absolutely outstanding in its response to the needs of their community. This partnership compliments and reinforces that incredible work and brings together the capacity, skills, knowledge, experience and trust within our communities to respond to this international crisis.

“By working together, we will be able to coordinate the delivery of food to vulnerable people across Edinburgh. This support to our colleagues and volunteers who are preparing and delivering the food to people will ensure we can sustain this heroic effort for as long as it is needed.

“If you know someone who is in need please use the national helpline 0800 028 2816 and I can assure you support is there for you. If you are a local community organisation delivering food not already part of this amazing network, please contact EVOC on info@evoc.org.uk”

 

Comments

0 0
Stuart
almost 4 years ago
Interesting role for a TSI especially as there's no mention of this service or which partners are involved on their web site or how other groups who are delivering food.I just hope the funding is going to those orgs which are struggling to meet demand from vulnerable clients across Edinburgh.There are a number of frontline services already doing this coordinating role
Commenting is now closed on this post