The cheese manufacturer and FareShare, the UK’s largest charity dedicated to food waste for social good, have formed the ‘Galloway Gathering Project’ which will serve people in need across Scotland.
The equivalent of 90,000 meals will be donated as part of the summer campaign, while food trucks across Scotland will cook up dishes using Galloway cheese for one off fundraising days where customers will be offered the opportunity to donate to FareShare.
MasterChef winner and National Chef of Scotland Gary Maclean is also involved in the campaign and will host two events at FareShare’s regional partner sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow where he will make portions of mac n’ cheese for distribution.
The food vans operate in locations from the west and east coasts of Scotland to as far north as Caithness. As well as the 90,000 donated meals, Galloway will supply 800kg of cheese for free.
Commenting on the project’s launch, marketing director at Galloway parent company Lactalis UK & Ireland, Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, said: “The Gathering Project is a chance for Galloway Cheddar to give back, be true to our values as a business rooted in rural Scotland, and make a difference. Bringing people across Scotland together over a meal or a chat is simple, but we’re hoping it creates positive change that supports FareShare’s important work.
“It’s particularly special to be doing it bigger than ever this year, working with some people dedicated to their communities and food trucks who are small independent businesses across the country to come together as a force for good. The work FareShare and its charity partners do on a daily basis is truly invaluable and we’re all proud to be playing our part in that, to make sure there is ongoing support for those facing food insecurity and loneliness at a time when the pressures of day to day living are being felt the hardest.”
Meanwhile, head of fundraising at FareShare Kirsty Ford explained that the charity needs both food surplus and fundraising to help it get more food to the people who need it.
"Our network of 8,500 charities and community groups across the UK are working harder than ever to support people facing food insecurity and loneliness," added Ford.
"Galloway Cheddar’s generous support for FareShare through engaging initiatives such as the Galloway Gathering Project helps people impacted by the cost of living crisis come together through food and access essential services.”
