WHERE IS THE FOOD? EVENT

I thoroughly enjoyed attending the recent North Ayrshire Foodbank event in Irvine Volunteer Rooms to meet a range of organisations working to ensure that we all have access to healthy, nutritional and secure access to the food we need in both the here and now as well as into the future.

Under discussion was policy as well as practical activities enhancing access to food.

The Good Food Bill which enshrines in law the Scottish Government’s commitment to Scotland being a Good Food Nation, where people from every walk of life take pride and pleasure in, and benefit from, the food they produce, buy, cook, serve, and eat each day was also discussed.

North Ayrshire Council and voluntary sector representatives highlighted the fantastic work of the Foodbank, Larder, Seed bank and allotments as well as the Incredible Edible initiative ( food growing within urban spaces). Each seeking to address food insecurity in their own unique ways today and into the future.

It was also a treat to meet Ardrossan Academy pupils who demonstrated their Home Economics skills with good, healthy budget conscious meals. Pupils were keen to discuss the cross cutting curriculum as well as the work they undertake in horticultural bases within our local schools. Not only growing their own skills and knowledge but also that of the wider community.

Health & Social Care Partnership dieticians were on hand as well, to demonstrate their “canny cooker” which is an energy efficient, made at home cooker, anybody can make. Budget recipes were also available.

We also had Cafe Solace providing a “world cafe” tasting experience.

With games and competitions for all ages, this really was a fun and educational experience for all.

You can learn more about the Good Food Bill here https://www.gov.scot/news/good-food-nation-bill-passed/