Galloway Cheddar’s ‘Gathering Project’ initiative rolls out across Scotland

Galloway Cheddar is rolling out its ambitious “Galloway Gathering Project” initiative across Scotland to help support charities tackling food poverty and loneliness.

The Scottish cheddar brand has partnered with food distribution charity, FareShare Scotland, part of FareShare, the largest charity in the UK fighting hunger and food waste.

Working with FareShare’s network of community kitchens and cafes in Central, South East, Glasgow and West of Scotland, Galloway Cheddar will provide the equivalent of 10,000 meals throughout the month of May to residents at community gatherings across Scotland – something that has never been done on this scale before.

As well supplying 1.2 tonnes of cheddar to make the meals, Galloway Cheddar will also donate an additional £19,500 in support FareShare’s work across Scotland through its partners FareShare Central and South East Scotland (Cyrenians) and FareShare Glasgow & the West of Scotland (Move On).

The Scottish cheddar brand has been at the heart of Scottish family gatherings since it began in 1959, inviting families to get together for their favourite recipes. And now, in the midst of the cost-of-living crisis, it is wanting to help Scottish communities who need it most by inviting them to its local community gathering where they can be assured of support, friendship and a hot meal.

“It may seem a simple gesture to provide someone with a hot meal but our pilot last year demonstrated just what an impact these local kitchens and cafes can make to people’s lives," said Heloise Le Norcy-Trott Group category and Marketing Director at Lactalis UK and Ireland. "The food is just the starting point, it is the community support that comes along side this, chatting with a friend, or sharing a cuppa with that can make the word of difference.

“We are delighted to be partnering with FareShare Scotland to help Scottish families and people who need it most and hope this initiative will help to build stronger communities.”

Each community kitchen or cafe will also be given packs which as well as Galloway Cheddar’s red cheddar, include materials to decorate the venues such as posters and t-shirts to ensure a warm and friendly atmosphere. Galloway Cheddar’s donation will cover the cost of management and distribution by FareShare Scotland.

FareShare Scotland is part of the FareShare national network, with four regional centres in Scotland dedicated to fighting hunger and food waste. It distributes good quality surplus food to charities and community groups across all 32 local authorities in Scotland.