Those heading to Taste of Grampian are being urged to do their bit for charity by bringing a tin or can of food with them to help support Community Food Initiatives North East (Cfine).
The firm, which is headquartered in Aberdeen but works across the north and north-east, is the festival’s nominated charity this year.
Organisers hope that the donation drive at the event on Saturday June 4 at P&J Live in Aberdeen will help rebuild surplus tinned and canned food that the charity desperately needs.
With the cost of living crisis affecting many individuals and families across the region, the not-for-profit has been inundated with requests.
Fione Rae, chief executive of Cfine, has seen a huge increase in demand for their services and says that some are making the difficult decision to decide between heating their homes or purchasing food.
Since February Cfine has recorded a 50% increase in requests for food parcels from 1,752 to 2,742.
The tins and cans of food donated will go directly to people in immediate need within our local communities.
Festivalgoers attending the event will be able to leave donations at a designated area in the large concourse entrance of P&J Live where they will first be welcomed to the festival.
What does Cfine need?
The items the charity is in desperate need of include:
- Tinned fruit
- Tinned vegetables
- Tinned meals and meats – ravioli, macaroni, steak etc.
- Tins of tuna
- Jars of pasta sauce/other sauces
- Tinned desserts – rice pudding, custard etc.
Donations of all sizes are welcomed from the public at the event, be that one tin or multiple.
Fiona Rae, said: “The last few months have been incredibly difficult for many people Cfine supports. The cost-of-living crisis has meant many are having to make the difficult decision between heating their home, or buying food.
“We have seen a huge increase in the number of people accessing our services, including requesting emergency food and access to welfare/benefits advice.
“The need for emergency food has put a real strain on our food stocks and so we are encouraging people attending Taste of Grampian to consider donating a few tins or jars of non-perishable food.
“These donations are vital in ensuring Cfine can continue to respond to the needs of individuals, families and communities facing food poverty/insecurity. We would like to thank everyone who is in a position to donate on the day, and we look forward to a successful event!”
Cfine aims to improve health and wellbeing and the environment through tackling food poverty and providing a range of support and services for disadvantaged people.
The charity will also be running a number of activities at the event including giving youngsters the chance to plant their own fruit and vegetable plants they can take home, selling fresh fruit and veg and fruit pots, and showcasing their mobile pantry and the services they provide.
Taste of Grampian is Scotland’s biggest one-day food and drink festival and is set to welcome around 15,000 visitors.
Quality Meat Scotland (QMS) is the headline sponsor, and the festival will be further supported by Opportunity North East, ANM Group, Aberdeenshire Council, The Press and Journal and The Evening Express.
Tickets to the festival are £12 and children under 12 go free. Parking at P&J Live is also free and you can find out more about transportation options here.
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