Project Description

This ongoing volunteering project was initiated to involve pupils from the Pupil Support Service – The Bridges Centre in supporting their local community. The primary objectives are: 

  • To engage pupils in community support activities. 
  • To educate them on the importance of reducing food waste and environmental care. 
  • To integrate The Bridges Centre with local community efforts and enhance awareness of community issues. 

EATS Rosyth, founded in 2016 by the Rosyth Community Council and delivered through Rosyth Community Projects Ltd, aims to grow and share food, reduce waste, help the environment, and improve food education. This project involves transforming unappealing green spaces into productive areas like the Community Garden, Community Hub, and Centenary Orchard. 

Activity Implementation 

Twice a week, EATS Rosyth supplies the school with produce and ingredients purchased from Aldi. Pupils at The Bridges Centre plan and cook meals in the school kitchen, which varies weekly. Recent dishes include Cowboy Pie, Sausage Casserole, and Cottage Pie, with soups planned for the following week. 

The process involves: 

  1. Morning sessions where pupils plan and cook meals. 
  1. Packaging the food in plastic tubs with labels indicating the source and expiry date. 
  1. EATS Rosyth staff pick up the prepared meals and distribute them to the community from their café in Rosyth. 

Feedback and Impact 

Pupils: 

  • “I love the fact that we are helping people.” – Anon 
  • “Someone I used to know go to EATS for their food all the time.” – Anon 

Staff: 

  • “To have in the hub, fresh food cooked by the young men and women within the Bridges and sharing their creations is like a milestone for Rosyth. Their food is being showcased, they are learning and serving the community a tasty nutritious meal and clearly it’s working as each time we stock up it disappears fast. It’s evident that it’s needed in Rosyth and surrounding areas and to have the Bridges at the heart of the cooking and local is very welcoming.” – EATS Rosyth staff member 
  • “It is great to see our pupils work together as a team to help support vulnerable people in their local community.” – The Bridges Centre staff member 

EATS Customers: 

  • “So delicious, really flavoursome and just the right amount!” – Anon 
  • “Really, really tasty, and I am super fussy about my food so for me to say that it must be good!” – Anon 
  • “Such a good project, a great idea to work with those kids, and the meals were really tasty too!” – Anon 
  • “Portion size excellent, ideal for someone on their own. Very tasty and I’m very fussy so well done to the team at the Bridges and EATS for sharing their creations.” – Steve 

Conclusion 

This collaboration between EATS Rosyth and The Bridges Centre has proven to be highly beneficial, fostering community spirit, providing valuable life skills to pupils, and addressing local food security issues. The positive feedback from all involved underscores the success and impact of this initiative.