Charities Convener of the Dyer Incorporation of Dundee, Dr Mhairi Towler, and craftsmember Doug Binnie, recently visited Strathmartine Community Larder to hand over a donation of £500 raised from a raffle held at their Annual Dinner in December.
Larder volunteer chairperson, Melanie Kiyani, explained how a previous donation from the Dyers had enabled them to create an Eco Wall, where users can dispense dry goods such as rice, pasta and cereals. The new funding will allow the charity to start a new “cooking on a budget” project sharing recipes using the ingredients found in the larder.
Initially set up to reduce food waste, the Community Larder has become a hub for those struggling to put food on the table in the current financial climate. Around 30 families use the larder every day to buy food and basic supplies.
Users pay £4 to purchase a bag of shopping which includes tinned goods, toiletries, cleaning products, and cupboard items. A further £1 will buy two items from the fridge or freezer, or a bag of fresh fruit and vegetables.
Volunteers create recipe bags and run cooking classes to enhance skills, raise awareness of good nutrition and create an opportunity for social interaction.
Wendy Maltman, Deacon of the Dyer Incorporation, said “Dyer members are delighted to support such a worthwhile project. We send our very best wishes to the volunteers of the Strathmartine Community Larder as they continue in their endeavours to grow this project and to impact the lives of so many local people in a positive way.”
Charities Convener, Dr Mhairi Towler (centre) with volunteers from the Strathmartine Community Larder