Food for Thought as First Minister Tours Dundee Charity
The First Minister of Scotland toured the premises of Signpost International in Dundee today, gaining an insight into the charity’s vital work around food insecurity and poverty.
The charity, based at The Roundhouse in Whitfield, transforms surplus donated food into community meals which are distributed to those in need through foodbanks and larders. The charity also delivers free cooking lessons and family sessions during school holidays and has recently launched a community café, home to a new hands-on training programme for young people aged 14-22 facing barriers to employment or education.
John Swinney MSP and Lara Bird (SNP Candidate for Arbroath and Broughty Ferry) enjoyed a tour of the kitchens, community fridge and gardens, before collecting a takeaway lunch in the café.
First Minister John Swinney said, “It was fantastic to visit The Roundhouse and see first-hand the fantastic work they do to support the community in Dundee. The ambition of the team at Signpost International, both for their work internationally and for members of their community, is inspiring. Whether it’s Scotland’s young people, our natural environment or those most in need of help, The Roundhouse is doing vital work to ensure Scotland thrives. It was a privilege to meet the team who make such ambition a reality, and I wish them every success for the future.”
Jamie Morrison, Chief Executive, added, “In Dundee, Signpost International has successfully prevented over 30 tonnes of food from going to waste in the last four years alone, demonstrating the impact that small community actions can have on the environment. Through our holiday programmes and cooking lessons, we also empower our local communities to reduce waste and eat healthy food that sustains their families. Our new café takes this one step further, helping students develop valuable hospitality and barista skills, build confidence, and gain experience that will support them in future employment.
Long-term, the charity hopes to open a learning centre at The Roundhouse, which will support global citizenship education programmes for learners of all ages and backgrounds. While its base is in Dundee, the charity also works with international partners to empower communities in Kenya and Uganda to be resilient, sustainable and develop the skills and confidence to flourish.
Jamie added, “To some extent, our international counterparts share similar challenges to ours, and the scope to learn from each other is immense. Ultimately, our learning centre would link learners here with those in Africa, engaging school pupils and the general public in local and global poverty and development issues. With this improved understanding, pupils and the wider public can push for change in global development issues and be a voice for those who are vulnerable and without opportunity.”
For more information, visit https://signpost-international.org/
ENDS