Submission Details ------------------
Nominee Summary
The Country Food Trust has set up a collection service to pick up small game. We run weekly collections to signed up shoots, who joined the scheme continuously throughout the season. These birds are then processed and are given to foodbanks, community kitchens and homeless shelters throughout Scotland. This is a fantastic use of the birds, going to feed hungry people in Scotland who are struggling to afford to buy protein, the most expensive yet the most important food group for human health. Feeding hungry people and ensuring the countryside community can still operate effectively is the optimal outcome.
Overcoming Challenges
This scheme took time to establish as it needed a minimum amount of shoots to commit to it, for it to reach viability. Once that was achieved and the scheme started, it was a case that new shoots were continually asking to join. They had to be on a viable route to allow for collections on one day. A game dealer also needed to be on board with the scheme, so that processing costs were kept to a minimum and the volume of birds was within their capacity. The other challenge was to ensure we had freezer capability, so that the meat could be distributed evenly throughout Scotland. This also meant investment into chiller trailers and a vehicle to pull it. The resulting success of the project last season was the ability to get this in place quickly by all parties working together.
Supporting the community
Community support came in two ways: supporting shoots by helping them to get their birds utilised, and feeding people in need with the produce. Supporting Shoots helps to safeguard them for years to come, thereby protecting, even creating jobs along with environmental gains from the land being managed. Communities are also supported by donating the meat to those in need. Food insecurity is increasing exponentially across all demographics. By ensuring that meat is donated, we are providing crucial protein to communities that are unable to afford it. Protein is the most important food group for optimal physical and mental health and wellbeing. By supporting communities that are in need we are alleviating food insecurity and enabling people to return to work or increase their productivity thereby adding to local economy. These dual outcomes in communities have provided a unique and lasting positive benefit to both shoots and the local community.
Ethical/environmental standards
All health and safety requirements are adhered to. All shoots also comply with all necessary legislation. We have a chiller van to collect the birds and this is used to distribute the meat within the community. The shoots hire local people to be beaters etc, with local pubs and caterers benefitting from the shooting trade, this is imperative for the continuation of shooting. By initiating this scheme we have been able to employ a local driver to collect the birds, as well as support people back into employment as their health improves due to a high protein diet. All the birds have been received in the highest quality, meaning no wastage and top grade meat being donated to the community. These are long standing activities that run through the heart of rural life, and by offering this service we are helping to preserve the income streams and long standing traditions of the rural community and improving the health and well being of rural and urban communities suffering food insecurity.
