Edinburgh cafe owner and councillor goes the extra mile to help feed vulnerable people during lockdown

An Edinburgh councillor who owns a cafe has channelled his passion for food and people into helping feed the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.
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An Edinburgh councillor who owns a cafe has channelled his passion for food and people into helping feed the vulnerable during the coronavirus pandemic.

But it involves an ambitious fitness challenge.

Councillor for Leith Walk Lewis Ritchie has set himself a target to run 200k throughout the month of April to raise money for the Edinburgh Food Project.

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With 125k under his belt, the determined runner has another 75k to cover in just seven days.

“So I have about 50 miles to go, and a week to do it in,” he said.

“It’s certainly a challenge.”

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Councillor for Leith Walk Lewis Ritchie is completing a running challenge to raise money for the Edinburgh Food ProjectCouncillor for Leith Walk Lewis Ritchie is completing a running challenge to raise money for the Edinburgh Food Project
Councillor for Leith Walk Lewis Ritchie is completing a running challenge to raise money for the Edinburgh Food Project

The 36-year-old, from Leith, said the distance means he’s covering about 10k a day which is exhausting but worth it if it means supporting an important cause.

“There are vulnerable people who already find it hard enough getting access to food and other items like toiletries that they need, so you can imagine with the impact of the coronavirus, it’s a lot harder,” Lewis said.

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“When there was a period of panic buying, food bank stocks severely depleted and it was a real struggle getting essentials out to people that need it.”

The owner of It’s All Good cafe in Easter Road said stockpiling during the early stages of lockdown meant basic toiletries like loo roll and hand wash were scarce.

“I used to be chairman of the Foodbank Working Group in the city and so I have been exposed to the hardship that some people face when it comes to sourcing food, but also for those who are trying to co-ordinate getting goods to people that need it.

“The money I am raising during month of running is going straight to the Edinburgh Food Project who are doing an amazing job helping people get what they need at the moment.”

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Lewis said while the public have been generous with donations, the money raised will be used for buying other essential items that are rarely donated such as toiletries, pet food for those with animals and toys for children.

For a final fundraising push, Lewis has set himself the challenge to complete a marathon as his final run of the month.

To donate to his cause you can visit here.

Edinburgh Food Project (EFP) is a local independent charity and a member of, but not funded by, the Trussell Trust network.

EFP operates seven foodbanks in areas of multiple deprivation across Edinburgh, providing emergency food supplies to people in need.

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Each food pack it makes provides at least three meals for three days, and some snacks.

The charity also offers additional services such as toiletries, household items, pet food, specialist dietary items and kettle packs (for those who do not have access to a cooker/microwave).

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