Scotland has a strong history of community food initiatives, from lunch clubs and food co-ops to youth cafés and gardening projects, all working to improve health and wellbeing in low-income areas and to address the needs of different groups of people.
Stepping Out is a voluntary organisation based in the North Berwick Community Centre. The aim of the organisation is to provide people with mental health problems (mostly severe and enduring) with an opportunity to participate in various food-based activities.
Read ‘Stepping Out – eating and growing food together’ here
ENABLE Scotland supports adults and children with learning disabilities living in their own homes, or shared accommodation, to achieve their personal goals. Since 2007, it has encouraged its staff to train in nutrition to ensure people using their service receive consistent food and health messages and support.
Read ‘ENABLE Scotland – support for a healthy diet’ here
Based in Edinburgh, Upward Mobility runs workshops for students with a learning disability, covering a wide range of subjects that includes cooking and community gardening.
Read ‘Upward Mobility – cookery and growing projects’ here
Let’s Make it Better – Sunlite Café
Sunlite Café in Stirling gives people with mental health challenges the opportunity to gain self-confidence and skills in a friendly, supportive environment. Members are involved in running the café and offered food and hygiene training, including REHIS Elementary Cooking Skills.
Read ‘Let’s Make it Better – Sunlite Café’ here