Totnes-based Food in Community CIC, is celebrating a windfall from the Lottery funded 'Community Cash Awards' after local people voted to back its latest project.
'Cooking Up A Treat' will take place in the refurbished Civic Hall kitchen, and offer groups cooking and food sharing sessions, where people can come together, learn new skills and enjoy food and company. Transition Town Totnes will also benefit from the award with support for its hugely successful free skillshare events.
Food in Community CIC is a local initiative started by David Markson and Laurel Ellis. It rescues unwanted and surplus vegetables and fruit and feeds it back to the community, allowing local projects and organisations to benefit. It has worked closely with many organisations in Totnes and the South Hams, and is now based at the Reconomy Centre in Leechwell Street.
Says David, ' We took an idea close to our hearts - that of addressing food waste, and started a project that seems to have its own wonderful momentum. We've had great help and support from Guy Watson and his staff of locally-based Riverford Organic and a dedicated group of friends and volunteers which has made it all possible.'
From January 2013 they have made weekly deliveries to Rainbow Nursery, Daisy Children's Centre, Action for Children Pre School, Cool Recovery (for carers and those affected by mental health issues), The Yatis Project (for adults recovering from drug and alcohol dependency), TIC (a project addressing re offending) the Drop In Centre, and a Food Bank. One local school whose PTA prepares their own school dinners have benefitted too. Over 5000 kilos of produce have been delivered and an estimated 4000 meals cooked.
Laurel adds, "We'd like to thank everyone who has been involved, believed in, and supported the project and to all in the community who voted for us. We hope that members of the community will be able to enjoy cooking together, sharing a meal, and making friends".
Transition Town Totnes 