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To celebrate 150 years of serving Scotland, independent family-owned wholesaler Dunns Food and Drinks has partnered with local charity Community Links (South Lanarkshire) to launch an inspiring community initiative, Make A Meal Of It.

The project aims to support local families by providing hands-on cooking demonstrations that teach how to create healthy, budget-friendly meals using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients to eat well for less.

In collaboration with three local schools, Dunns and Community Links will engage with 150 families from some of South Lanarkshire’s urban areas, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing food insecurity while promoting sustainable and nutritious eating.

The first of these interactive sessions, led by Executive Development Chef for Dunns, Donnie Munro, took place this month at the wholesaler’s development kitchen in Blantyre. The festive menu, costing approximately £10 for a family of four, featured a roast Christmas chicken with sage and onion stuffing, sticky vegetables, and roast potatoes and a chicken and rice soup made from the leftovers, demonstrating the value of reducing waste while making the most of a meal. Participants each received goodie bags containing all the ingredients and recipes needed to recreate the meal at home.

The Make A Meal of It initiative, which has received funding support from the Austin Hope Pilkington Trust, reflects the power of partnership between local businesses and the third sector in addressing real challenges for the community. The program aligns with Dunns’ commitment to sustainability, reducing food miles, and promoting access to healthy food options for all.

Julie Dunn, Managing Director of Dunns Food and Drinks, who also sits as Chairperson of Community Links: South Lanarkshire, said: “As a family business rooted in South Lanarkshire, we’re proud to celebrate our 150th anniversary by giving back to our community. ‘Make A Meal Of It’ not only equips families with the skills to create wholesome, cost-effective meals but also fosters a deeper connection to local, sustainable produce. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a lasting legacy.”

Further sessions are planned to take place in early 2025. For more details about Dunns Food & Drinks, visit: www.dunnsfoodanddrinks.co.uk