Team effort by GRA and Foodbank to take over empty Huntly bakery for projects to help the most needy and tackle food waste
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TWO local organisations are set to breathe new life into vacant town centre properties with projects to support some of the most vulnerable in the community.
Gordon Rural Action (GRA) and the Aberdeenshire North Foodbank have taken leases on the former bakery property at 49 and 47 Gordon Street respectively.
GRA will re-name No 49 as Re:Store. A number of projects will be based there but first up will be Re:Cycle, the new name for what was the Bike Shack.
Aberdeenshire North Foodbank are to develop the Huntly Food Hub at No 47.
As well as accommodating the existing foodbank, it will house a community fridge/freezer and space for activities to tackle food poverty.
An appeal has gone out from GRA for anyone with carpentry skills to help renovate the shop front at No 49.
Bike servicing, repairs and accepting bike donations will begin immediately and anyone who requires the project's services, has a bike to donate or willing to help with the renovation should e mail Recyle@GordonRural.org.uk or enquiries@gordonrural.org of message the GRA Facebook Page.
Emma Selway-Grant, GRA's chief office said: "We are delighted to be working with Aberdeenshire North Food Bank on the expansion of services to our community, we want to continue to create spaces that enable people to actively positively improve their lives.
"The additional space will also allow us to expand the amount of furniture we are able to sell in The Bargain Box, giving more people access to furniture at great prices.
"The success of all our projects is reliant on people joining in and getting involved so please get in touch if you would like to volunteer."
Debbie Rennie, Aberdeenshire North Foodbank manager hopes the hub will become a real focal point in the town.
She said: "The hub is for the whole community with the idea of reducing food waste and helping us all get the most value for money from our food budgets and incomes.
"We will continue to work alongside GRA to make sure everyone who has received a parcel can also receive support and advice on budgets, benefits entitlement and ensuring they are getting everything they are eligible for.
"With the community fridge and freezer in the hub we will be working with local shops to distribute surplus food."
A new project worker, funded by Aberdeenshire Council, will work in Huntly and the surrounding area looking at food skills and budgeting.
Vattenfall Clashindarroch Community Fund has provided funding for the hub lease and running costs.
GRA's Re:Store project has received funding of £37,113 from the Communities Mental Health and Wellbeing Fund to support rent, gas and electricity for the first year, new equipment and to employ Darren Farquhar as lead mechanic A trainee mechanic post will be created in the near future.
