PCHP follows the food dignity principles identified by Nourish Scotland and Poverty Truth Community that include: Having power to make choices about what, where, when, how and with whom you eat, Feeling able and welcome to take part in different aspects of community life, regardless of your financial situation, and Being able to enjoy food and access support that meets your needs.  See more at https://www.nourishscotland.org/dignity-in-practice-project/

Food

Food as a Gateway to Wellbeing

Cooking and sharing food is an essential daily activity in PCHP. From breakfast at the Chat Café and Language Exchange, to the cook clubs, community meals, our seasonal community larder and food share initiatives. Every day, food is our gateway to wider wellbeing conversations and person centred support. It is part of welcoming and caring for local people and their families. It offers formal and informal learning, from food related qualifications to nutrition, weaning, cooking on a budget and reducing food waste to volunteering opportunities.

Cooking and sharing food has significance in our countries, cultures and families. It is the catalyst for conversations, sharing skills and experiences, friendships and generosity of spirit. Eating and sharing food can be joyful, the smell and the taste offering comfort and satisfaction.

The impacts of the pandemic, and the cost of living crisis is disproportionately harder for people already living in poverty. Hunger and food insecurity heightens over winter periods with food and energy prices increasing in ways that meant heating or eating were no longer the impossible choice – some could not afford either. A new urgency to eliminate rising hunger and food insecurity in Edinburgh is underway.

Sign up to our newsletter