Unicef funds food hampers for Edinburgh families struggling during pandemic

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

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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

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 allEdible Edinburgh promotes healthy food for all
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.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“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.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.

Related topics:

Comment Guidelines

National World encourages reader discussion on our stories. User feedback, insights and back-and-forth exchanges add a rich layer of context to reporting. Please review our Community Guidelines before commenting.

News you can trust since 1873
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice