‘Lifesaver’ Leven food project marking first anniversary

The project, based at The Centre in Leven, was launched almost a year ago with the aim of cutting single use plastic and food waste, but, for some of the 135 people who use, the importance it plays in their lives can not be valued through figures.

Victor Smith goes every week with his sister Moira. He is on Universal Credit and admits that the project helps make ends meet.

“This place is a lifesaver,” he says. “I can make ends meet.”

The project gives members the chance to access a cafe for a free drink and chat, pick ‘n’ mix refill station with daily essentials, such as pasta, rice and coffee, and entry to a pantry filled with foodstuffs.

The users get ten tokens which they can then use to pick up different foods.

But there are also social benefits.

“You have a social rapport with people,” added Victor.

“It’s friendly – it means a lot. A lot of people on benefits are lonely and don’t have anything to do. It’s either you eat, or you have heating.”

It is a similar situation for many people who use the project.

Christine Owens met Moira and Victor at a baking class in Buckhaven – she also describes the project as a ‘lifesaver’.

“You get to know different people,” she says.

“You get to have a cup of tea and a chat. I’d recommend it to everyone.”

Vicky Skinver, known as the ‘Pantry chef’, lost £162 in benefits overnight when her son turned 20, with no income to replace it. The project could not have come at a better time.

But as well as using the pantry, Vicky, who studies professional cookery, also puts her talents in the kitchen to good use and helps others.

After one of her visits, Vicky made a slow-cooked recipe using pheasant, which she then shared on the group’s Facebook page. It was a hit.

Now she put recipes on the page every week. There are even plans to create a ‘pantry cookbook’ which will be given to all members.

“It’s a dream come true,” she says.

“I get a high from doing it. You get compliments from people. I’ve never been an overly confident person so it gives you a confidence boost.”

“It’s quite a tremendous project,” adds project co-ordinator Billy Bain. “I didn’t realise it would kick off the way it has.”

He estimates that the project has saved the members around £135,000 since it started, and stopped six tonnes of food that might have been wasted.

“The message has always been ‘how do we avoid food waste’,” Billy adds.

“Every item of food could have gone to waste. If we can use food in a positive way to help people, it’s a bonus. Some people come in just because they believe the philosophy of avoiding food waste.”

The People’s Pantry would not be a success without the support it has received.

Stuart’s provides free cakes and bread for free every week, sponsor some of the refill stations and even provide space to keep some of the frozen products.

“It’s great to see a local business get involved in a community project,” says Billy. “We would welcome more businesses getting involved.”

But the biggest contribution has come from the 15 volunteers who give up their time to make sure the project is a success.

Catherine MacLean, who won a community champion award recently for her work in the community, is one of the co-ordinators. She looks after the volunteers and the stock.

“I came to two or three meetings and they asked me to be a co-ordinator, because I was with the Levenmouth Foodbank for six years,” she says.

“It helped me with the project. It’s a great project. I love it.”

The People’s Pantry has also expanded since it launched.

Most of the members have taken advantage of a banking scheme run in conjunction with Kingdom Community Bank, which allows them to pay their weekly £2 fee into an account, meaning they get access to the food for free. The scheme was introduced to encourage members to save and take more financial support and advice.

A partnership has also been started with the Castle Furniture Project, to help members who might be without items like cookers or fridges.

To join the waiting list, phone 01334 659 348.