A new campaign to fight food poverty will build on the sterling work of volunteers who stepped up to support vulnerable Perth families during lockdown.
The Letham4All team opened its community fridge project to provide a lifeline to locals, allowing them to get food and supplies on their doorstep at a low cost.
Similar schemes were organised in the city’s Tulloch and Muirton areas, with packed take-and-leave boxes installed on street corners.
Next week, a new community food share scheme will open in the city with the aim of reducing waste and tackling food poverty.
It will be based at Moncrieffe Community Hall, Glenlyon Road, on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 11am to 1.30pm.
Organiser Liz Barrett said: “The South Perth Community Food Share is all about reducing food waste and protecting the environment.
“We are open to everybody and I’m aiming to replicate the excellent food share projects in Letham, Tulloch and Muirton for the benefit of local residents.”
Supported by Letham4All, the new group will provide supplies such as food and sanitary products, as well as information about local support networks.
After four weeks, the pilot scheme will be reviewed to see how it has benefited the community and if it can become a permanent fixture.
Mrs Barrett said she was “hugely grateful” to Letham4All, Perth and Kinross Council, Live Active Leisure and People With A Mission Ministries for helping get the service up and running.
“I think there is a tremendous opportunity to work together to develop an effective food network across Perth to tackle concerns about people struggling with the impacts of lockdown, and the spate of redundancies,” she said.
“We think this food share will benefit people in Friarton and Moncrieffe who might have difficulty getting into town for help or cheap food.”
The service launches on Monday, July 20, and organisers have appealed for anyone who can help them source a display fridge for chilled meals.
To contact the group call 01738 571527.
