A lifeline surplus food distribution service which operates across the Scottish Borders will continue for another year thanks to dedicated support from a vital funding programme.
Eildon Housing Association’s project has secured a new £35,000 grant from the Scottish Procurement Alliance’s (SPA) Community Benefit Fund, ensuring regular food deliveries to sixteen foodbanks and community groups throughout the region. It takes the total funding awarded to the project since 2021 to £115,000.
The Eildon Community Food Hub is a central link in a vast and growing regional network tackling hunger, hardship, and isolation. SPA’s backing helps to pay for staffing and vehicle hire meaning critical food and essential supplies can continue to flow uninterrupted to its partners.
Foodbanks across the Borders, including in Hawick, Selkirk, Galashiels, Peebles, and Duns, will all benefit from regular deliveries of unsold food sourced from the FareShare depot in Edinburgh.
“The funding from SPA has been transformative,” says Ally Ramage, who leads the project at Eildon. “We’re reaching more communities, more often, and offering people not just survival, but dignity. That simply wouldn’t be possible without SPA’s ongoing commitment.”
“This isn’t just about logistics,” continued Ally. “The food we’re delivering is helping volunteers avoid burnout. It’s helping parents get through a week with one less worry. And it’s helping people feed their pets, so they don’t have to choose between companionship and nutrition. SPA’s support isn’t peripheral, it’s central.”
Amanda Gauld is the Social Value Advisor at the SPA. “Community benefits shouldn’t be an add-on, they should be part of an organisation’s DNA, embedded in boardroom discussions right through to delivery on site.
“Our goal at the SPA is to support organisations in shaping meaningful, long-term strategies that prioritise what communities actually need. The need for grassroots support has never been greater than it is right now, and the SPA is leading from the front, delivering real change.”
Over the past year, the hub has delivered 29,000 meal equivalents – equating to 12 tonnes of redistributed food – to grassroots larder and pantry providers, including early years centres and community cafes.
Susie Hodgins is the Manager at Burnfoot Early Years Centre in Hawick, one of those that benefits from Eildon Community Food Hub deliveries. Burnfoot is one of the most deprived communities in Scotland and Susie says she’s seen an increase in demand for their services with even those in full-time employment looking for help on a weekly basis.
“Our weekly Eildon food delivery is a lifeline to many families in our community,” said Susie. “Without their support, we would not have the funding to offer a food service from our setting. This would result in many families having very little to feed the whole family or going without completely. Many adults in our area often don’t have a hot meal to ensure their children are fed.”
One regular visitor to Susie’s foodbank (or ‘food cupboard’ as it’s known) and who wishes to remain anonymous said:
“It’s a magical cupboard; without it I would be lost! I have really been struggling at the minute, so the cupboard has really helped me loads. It has those little bits that get you through. Getting food from the cupboard is a lifeline. It is amazing, I am so grateful.”
Logan Inglis runs the Reston and Auchencrow Larder in the nearby village of Reston, another beneficiary of the scheme.
“Eildon make a significant impact on our sustainability, and we are extremely grateful for the varied food they supply as every little helps. We have a range of users, including elderly people, young families and individuals, many of whom come twice a week, and they tell us how grateful they are for the support,” said Logan.
“We’ve been looking out for a large family of eight, who have struggled, dealing with a member with terminal cancer and low income. We’ve been able to provide them with Sunday roasts when available and other stable food. We were also able to give one lady money for petrol to get home because of what we save through the help from Eildon.“
Looking ahead, the Eildon Community Food Hub hopes to tackle one of the next major challenges in food insecurity: fresh produce. As members of Scottish Borders Council Food steering group, the organisation is looking to work with local farmers and growers, seeking ways to redirect unused or excess crops to foodbanks and family pantries instead of letting them go to waste.
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“Fresh food brings choice, health, and dignity into food support,” said Ally. “We know local farmers want to do the right thing. This is a real opportunity to join us in building a fairer and more sustainable Borders food network. In addition, we’re aiming to develop our food education work, helping residents make the most of fresh ingredients through basic cooking skills and nutrition guidance.”
Any farmers interested in contributing to the Eildon Community Food Hub should contact enquiries@eildon.org.uk
