Community food project receives prestigious award

The popular Aberdeen City Council Food and Fun project was recognised at the installation of the new principal and vice chancellor of Aberdeen University, professor George Boyne.

The Food and Fun Project was presented with the inaugural University of Aberdeen Principal’s Award for Outstanding Service to the Community at the ceremony, which took place at Elphinstone Hall, King’s College on January 16.

The prestigious event was led by The Duchess of Rothesay, Camilla Parker Bowles.

The project which is supported by Sport Aberdeen, Aberdeen FC Community Trust (AFCCT), Community Food Initiative North East (CFINE) and Police Scotland, was originally initiated to combat ‘holiday hunger’. Holiday hunger is a serious problem for children who rely heavily on their daily free school lunches that are not available to them over school holidays.

Sport Aberdeen’s senior development manager for Young People, Graeme Dale said:

“For Food and Fun to be recognised at such as prestigious event is such a great honour.

“Sport Aberdeen is proud to be a partner of Aberdeen City Council, along with others including CFINE, Russell Anderson Foundation and sportscotland, on this project.

“The project has had a huge impact on those most in need during the school holidays and has only been achieved by partners working collaboratively and sharing their expertise.”

This recognition follows on from Food and Fun’s success at Aberdeen’s Sports Awards 2018 where it received the Community Sports Project of the Year Award.

CFINE’S chief executive, Dave Simmers also expressed his delight by saying:

“We prepared and distributed over 10,000 meals to children during summer, 2018. It has been a pleasure working in partnership with the other 8 organisations on such an important matter

“CFINE believes, everyone should have access to nutritious and healthy food, especially at a young age. We are looking forward to participating in the Food and Fun project through the next holiday.”