‘Urgent’ need for volunteers at Food Foundation in Peebles

In July 2021 The Food Foundation reported that the future of the organisation "looked very bleak".

The organisation has provided young people in Peebles with cooking experiences for more than 14 years.

However, the coronavirus pandemic impacted its operations.

A spokesperson from The Food Foundation board said: "Having provided young people in the community with training opportunities in a working commercial kitchen environment for more than 14 years, the global pandemic had taken its toll.

"The training programme which had been a blend of practical hands-on experience and online learning had been halted since the onset of COVID restrictions."

In response to the pandemic, the social enterprise turned to new projects which supported the Peebles community during the last two years, such as Food and Friendship, Neighbourfood, The Flowerpot Café and the Mini Market.

Kieran Young, 17, a work experience volunteer at Food Foundation. Photo: Helen Barrington

The spokesperson added: "Behind the scenes, the work did not stop.

"The board of directors galvanised their efforts to secure sources of funding and were excited to learn late last year that their application to the Adapt and Thrive Programme had been successful.

"This programme forms part of the Community and Third Sector Recovery Programme set up by the government to support charitable organisations impacted by the pandemic and provided The Food Foundation with a lifeline budget to help them build sustainably for the future."

The Mini Market can be found at the front of the Victoria Park Centre with an outdoor seating area, and customers can takeaway their purchases or sit down to enjoy the locally made food.

Food Foundation's outside seating area. Photo: Helen Barrington

The market is open weekdays from 10am-3.30pm with a menu serving breakfast and lunch options and home baked treats.

All of the food sold by the Food Foundation is made from scratch by production manager Lindsey Gilmour, who is a qualified nutritionist, and her team made up of Pauline Gilmour, Lorna Nobel, and Hannah Barrow.

In order to keep providing these services the charity is in dire need of more volunteers to help with deliveries and at the market and café.

In the Food Foundation kitchen,. (L-R) Kieran Young age 17 , Pauline Gilmour supervising and cooking, and Fergus Beveridge age 16. Photo: Helen Barrington

The spokesperson said: "The ultimate goal is to return to the core purpose of the organisation; offering opportunities and training in hospitality to people who are disadvantaged in the employment market due to some form of disability.

"For now, however, the Board are pleased to have four Peebles High School students learning to bake in the kitchen every Friday.

"It is really encouraging to these young people gaining new skills, growing in confidence and most importantly, enjoying the experience.

"With the continued support of staff, volunteers, and friends in the Peebles community, the Board are hopeful that the Food Foundation will continue to go from strength to strength.

"If you have a few hours to spare during the week and can help out with Food and Friendship deliveries, or at the mini market and café please contact them at the Victoria Park Centre on 01721 722421."