Unicef funds food hampers for Edinburgh families struggling during pandemic

HUNDREDS of families across Edinburgh who are struggling to afford the basics during the pandemic are to receive food hampers thanks to a grant from international aid agency Unicef.

Each family will get two hampers - one in December and one in January

For the first time in its 70-year history Unicef is mounting an emergency response in the UK, handing funding to community projects across the country, and just under £25,000 has been awarded to Edible Edinburgh, a partnership which brings together the council, NHS and voluntary organisations to promote healthy food.

The money will be used to help pay for an estimated 12,000 meals which will go to families at risk of food insecurity all over the city who are not already receiving food boxes.

A total of 420 households will get two hampers – one the week before Christmas, the other the week after New Year – each with enough food for a minimum of 14 meals for a family of four.

Edible Edinburgh promotes healthy food for all

Nutritious content will include plant-based meals with fresh fruit and vegetables, plant-based freezer staples, dried pulses, grains and cereals, a DIY Take & Make meal kit and seasonal surprises.

Councillor George Gordon, chair of Edible Edinburgh Partnership, said: “Making sure that everyone has fair and affordable access to sustainable food and ensuring people can use it to provide a fresh, healthy and nutritious diet is key to tackling health inequalities across the city.

“Coronavirus has had a huge impact on family finances over the past year, leading to an increasing reliance on foodbanks for many.

“The huge efforts and commitment from third sector and voluntary groups across all areas of the city during coronavirus has been incredible to see.

“From changing their ways of working to creating new services and new partnerships and making sure food, financial help, medicines or other supports are delivered where they are needed, the pandemic has seen organisations come together to support the people who need it most. This funding will help to ensure that this support continues.”

The project has also received funding form city charity Edinburgh Community Food is being supported by community organisations.

Brenda Black, CEO at Edinburgh Community Food, said: "In our society, everyone should have a dignified life. This funding helps to reduce the anxiety families are facing to meet their children’s most basic food needs.”

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