Food Works

This partnership project led by Greener Kirkcaldy began in 2019 and was funded by the Scottish Government’s Investing in Communities Fund. It brings together key inclusive elements community food, employability and advice activities. Its aim is to provide support to reduce poverty and inequality in the Kirkcaldy area. Some areas of Kirkcaldy had witnessed high levels of income deprivation and unemployment, with food poverty being a growing issue as households were affected by insecure work and/ or welfare reforms.

BRAG Enterprises play a key part in that they deliver the accredited City & Guilds employability units within the Food Works project. The provision includes information and guidance on the world of work which also includes volunteering experience. It offers local people in Kirkcaldy, food and horticulture volunteer training opportunities as well as healthy eating awareness advice including growing. The 12-week programme is all about building confidence, developing knowledge and improving skills in food and growing which will help participants possibly progress into education, volunteering or employment. Food works! forms part of the larger ‘Heat and Eat’ programme.
The ‘Heat and Eat’ project aims to tackle poverty and promotes social inclusion in the community. Using a three – strand approach, participants can use any or all, of the strands.

Strand 1 – Eat Well
Strand 2 – Volunteering for employability
Strand 3 – Cosy homes

Volunteers take part in training including REHIS Food Hygiene and Elementary Cooking Skills, City and Guilds Employability Skills and First Aid at Work.
Many have now moved onto positive destinations such as employment, training or further education.