THE North Ayrshire Foodbank will next week launch a new project to help struggling locals.

‘Heat and Eat’ is a partnership between the foodbank, Garfield’s Tapas and Wine Bar and North Ayrshire Council’s Community Food Worker with input from Tesco in Saltcoats too.

It is aimed at those who find it difficult to make ends meet and sometimes have to choose whether to ‘Heat or Eat’ when it comes to gas and electricty.

Craig Crosthwaite, Co-ordinator of the North Ayshire Foodbank, explained: “Many of the beneficiaries of the North Ayrshire Foodbank have not only faced a food crisis but they were also affected by fuel poverty. The lack of gas or electricity is a well known situation within North Ayrshire and it is not uncommon to hear the phrase “Heat or eat” as those affected have to make a decision as to spending what little they have on buying food to eat or gas/electricity to heat their homes.

“A situation one can only imagine became extremely difficult during these last few months of extreme cold.

“North Ayrshire Foodbank is launching a new project to assist those facing that choice.

“The project will be called “Heat and eat” as we want those facing difficulties to do both, it should not be a choice as we need both to sustain our health. The project has been devised in partnership with Garfields Tapas and Wine Bar on Princes street, Tesco Saltcoats and North Ayrshire Council’s Food Officer.”

All partners will be working together to ensure it is a success and helps people in North Ayrshire who need it most.

Craig added: “The project will offer two-days a week access to cooking equipment free of charge. Those wishing to use the equipment simply bring along the food they wish to cook and once cooked it can either be eaten on the premises or taken home having been put into tin foil tubs.

“Darren Fisher will be at hand for those who would like extra support to cook their meals or receive guidance on how to improve a meal and ensure it is nutritional. Our partners, Citrus Energy, will be in attendance to give additional support to deal directly with any fuel poverty issues with their expertise in fuel debt, energy provision switching and home energy improvements.”

Councillor Louise McPhater, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We are delighted to be working with our partners on this exciting and extremely worthwhile initiative.

“The council is looking at food poverty across communities in North Ayrshire and how we can make a difference. Our over-riding and fundamental belief is that everybody should be able to feed themselves and their family within a comfortable environment.

“We’ve been working really hard, speaking with families, partners and local businesses to try and find sustainable solutions that can help us alleviate the issues of food poverty.

“Heat and Eat is a great project and we hope it helps families look at food differently and give them the confidence to cook using fresh ingredients. This is always the most healthy and cost effective option. We are sure it will be a lot of fun too and, ultimately, prove to be something that can be rolled out across North Ayrshire.

“A big thanks to everyone involved.”

The project will supply not only the cooking equipment but the crockery to eat the meal or the tubs to take it home if so desired. Condiments to enjoy the food if eaten on site will also be provided. In the future, through their partnership with Fareshare, the foodbank are looking to supply participants with a bag of fruit and vegetables.

The project will start on Tuesday, May 8 and will run each following Tuesday and Thursday between the hours of 4pm and 6pm.

Craig said: “We welcome individuals and families to use the project. If anybody would like additional information we welcome enquiries and can be contacted on 01294 601312 Monday to Friday between the hours of 10am to 2pm or email nafoodbank@btinternet.com”