Coldside Community Cupboard (360G-SCVO-a0g0N00001gBVa1QAG)

We would like to access the fund to create a Community Cupboard, working alongside our local community and other stakeholder groups we hope to test out the concept over the next 9-12months. The fund would be used to purchase the materials and services needed to enable us create a physical space to test out this idea. We will then deliver the project for a 9-12 month test period. We know from research that there are other examples of Community Cupboards or Larders elsewhere in Scotland this research also informed us that each one operates differently because of the differences and needs of the communities they serve. Therefore rather than us presuming that the idea we have in place right now is the right one we would like to use the fund to support re-iterations or adaptions that will occur from the learning that comes from delivering this new project and evolving to the emerging needs of the community it will support. We know from our years of serving the local community that there are many individuals and families who are living on extremely low incomes. To try and mitigate some of instances of financial insecurity, welfare reform and health inequalities that have been prevalent for generations we have and continue to deliver an extensive list of activities that can alleviate some of the pressures people face daily. As a community centre we aim to create a feeling of community or at the very least articulate to people that they need not face there problems alone. We are one of the biggest referrers to the foodbank in the local area which is a vital lifeline of food provision for many people. We know that Food Banks have in stock, largely non-perishable goods but there is a lack of access to fresh food for many people on low incomes. We have been successfully running a community garden and cooking programmes for adults and children alike for a number of years. Despite doing these things to help improve people's lives we know that there is still much to do. Geographically the area where we are situated presents logistical challenges for residents on low incomes or those with mobility issues to access food. The Hilltown is located as the name suggests on a hill, there are no supermarkets in the neighbourhood or the wider ward area (Coldside). There is a Tesco Metro and some local shops but the choices are limited due to space and prices are generally a bit more expensive than supermarkets prices. The hilliness of the local area is also a factor when you consider that the ward area has proportion of over 65's in the whole of Dundee. However as well as the challenges there is also opportunities we have support from other successful projects running elsewhere in the community. Many of these projects use food provision as a way of connecting with those who feel the impact of inequality the most. The food theme has led to likeminded organisations getting together and sharing information that has been gathered from listening to people they engage with and exploring tests of change to collaborate on. One of these tests of change is the food cupboard I am writing to you to ask funding for. The community cupboard concept began with at first, an easy point of access for free produce that is grown in the local area and perishable produce that is donated by organisations like fair/share and possible others. However in the brief period of time we have collaborated we have begun to delve a little deeper beneath the surface and new ideas are beginning to emerge. As a group we intend to utilise the individual expertise of each of the stakeholders involved to collectively strengthen the Community Cupboard concept. Access the fund will enable us to not only test the idea but also involve the local community a lot more in shaping the design and delivery of the project. The local stakeholders currently committed to developing this pilot project in addition to the Maxwell Centre include Dundee Carers Centre, Dundee Voluntary Action, Nourish Coldside and Coldside Community health inequality workers. We know and understand there is a lot of stigma attached to accessing support for food. Again this is where we can learn lessons from community cupboards elsewhere in Scotland. Some have promoted the community cupboard as an ecological/food waste project rather than making it all too apparent this is a response to welfare reform and poverty (even though this was the main driver).