Cheese manufacturer Galloway Cheddar has announced its largest ever partnership with Scottish food trucks to help tackle loneliness and food insecurity in Scotland.
The ‘Galloway Gathering Project’ is a nationwide campaign that brings together Scottish cheese brand Galloway and FareShare, the UK’s largest charity dedicated to food waste for social good. The equivalent of 90,000 meals will be donated to those in need. As part of the summer campaign, established food trucks across Scotland will cook up special cheesy dishes using Galloway Cheddar for one-off fundraising days, where customers will be offered the opportunity to donate to FareShare.
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The Galloway Gathering Project has also teamed up with MasterChef winner and National Chef of Scotland Gary Maclean to host two events at FareShare’s regional partner sites in Edinburgh and Glasgow. Gary will make portions of Mac n’ Cheese using Galloway Cheddar, which will then be distributed to those in need via FareShare’s charity partners.
Heloise Le Norcy-Trott, Marketing Director at Lactalis UK & Ireland, 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.”
The Gathering Project aims to connect with people throughout Scotland’s villages, towns, and cities to raise awareness of food insecurity and loneliness. The food vans operate in locations from the west and east coasts of Scotland to as far north as Caithness. In addition to the 90,000 donated meals, Galloway Cheddar will supply 800 kg of cheese for free.
Kirsty Ford, Head of Fundraising at FareShare, said:
“We are so grateful to Galloway Cheddar for its continued support of FareShare. We need both food surplus and fundraising to help us get more good-to-eat 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. 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.”
Gary Maclean, Scotland’s National Chef and winner of MasterChef: The Professionals, said:
“I am thrilled to partner with the Galloway Gathering Project and FareShare to help address food insecurity and loneliness across Scotland. Sharing food is a timeless way to bring people together and strengthen the bonds within our communities. Through initiatives like the Galloway Gathering Project, we can address food insecurity. When we come together over a meal, we not only nourish our bodies but also our spirits, building a more united and resilient community.”
Having been at the heart of Scottish family gatherings since it was founded in 1959, Galloway Cheddar is now looking to help Scottish communities who need help most by delivering community events and giving food truck customers the opportunity to donate.
