East Ayrshire groups win government grants

Dec 12 2008 by Colin Rutherford, Kilmarnock Standard

TWO Kilmarnock groups have been awarded government grants to promote healthy eating.

East Ayrshire Council’s community learning and development service – based at Kilmarnock’s Gateway Centre – is to receive £500 to fund equipment for a cookery skills programme for young people aged between 12 and 19, while a grant of £1571.24 is to go to Women’s Aid to provide training and education on healthy eating on a budget.

Elsewhere in East Ayrshire Sorn After School Care receives £965.58 to provide healthy snacks.

The groups are among 56 across Scotland who are awarded community food and health grants.

Community food and health (Scotland) development officer Kim Newstead said: “I’m always impressed at what a difference community projects can make using quite small amounts of money.

“Many of the groups that we have awarded funding to are working with some of the most marginalised groups in Scotland and are successful because they listen and work together with those that they are trying to help.”

And public heath minister Shona Robision said: “Supporting voluntary and public sector involvement to create a healthier Scotland is a priority for the Scottish government, especially in low-income communities.

“These projects work because they bring local people together to learn about and adopt healthier eating habits. They also help tackle the poor health record in deprived communities as knowledge is passed between friends, family and neighbours.”