Edinburgh Food Social's Steve Brown is a Covid hero who deserves an award – Angus Robertson

Not long to go now and the winners will be announced in the special food awards which celebrate people who work in the food industry and hospitality that have gone the extra mile to make things better in their community in the last 12 months.

Chef Steve Brown is one of 12 people shortlisted for “Most Heroic Individual” at the Heinz Food Heroes Awards (Picture: Ian Georgeson)

I for one will be cheering for Edinburgh’s Steve Brown who is one of only 12 people shortlisted for “Most Heroic Individual” at the Heinz Food Heroes Awards, having made 60,000 meals during the coronavirus pandemic.

Steve runs the social enterprise Edinburgh Food Social which is traditionally focussed on teaching children about food, but has been serving thousands of meals to people who have been struggling to manage during Covid restrictions.

Edinburgh Food Social is a remarkable organisation which is launching its Community Cook Workshops in the coming months and is urging community groups in need of food support or inspiration to get in touch.

It is also "hatching plans” with: Fresh Start, Mossgiel Organic Farm, The Pitt – Edinburgh’s pioneering independent street food and events venue – Space and the Broomhouse Hub as well as Volunteer Edinburgh and the NHS.

If you want to help Edinburgh Food Social, you can donate online or buy its winter small-batch gin, which is produced by Edinburgh Gin.

With a gentle warmth from sloe, fir, angelica and dandelion, this Winter Gin is perfect for a simple G&T as well as making excellent cocktails. Winter Gin is available at Margiottas, Edinburgh Larder, Craigie’s Farm, The Pitt and online at www.edinburghfoodsocial.org.

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