Supported by the European Social Fund and the Scottish Government, the funding will be used for Tasting Change, a local partnership initiative that aims to respond to local priorities and aspirations for a stronger community in Wester Hailes through tackling the deprivation levels and inequalities created by food insecurity.

According to Prospect, food insecurity is a problem in its community that extends beyond nutrition. When people are worried about not having enough food for themselves and their families, their health is affected, they become more isolated and they are less likely to take part in community life. Tasting Change aims to develop and deliver community led solutions to food insecurity that strengthen community connections with an emphasis on dignity and sustainability.

The funding will support a variety of activities including a food co-op offering affordable healthy food, cooking and healthy eating workshops, accredited food and hygiene training, volunteering opportunities, shared meals, employability support, and income maximisation advice. Tasting Change will work through all these activities to support community cohesion and capacity building.

As a community based housing association, Prospect Community Housing said it is proud to be firmly rooted within Wester Hailes. Its locally led Board is committed to playing an active role in improving the quality of life for local residents and in enabling activity that contributes to a stable, vibrant community.

Prospect is therefore very pleased to be the lead partner in the innovative cross sector partnership that is delivering Tasting Change working alongside The Health Agency, SCOREscotland, WHALE Arts Agency, CHAI, Wester Hailes Medical Practice, City of Edinburgh Council Communities and Families, and Edinburgh Community Food.

Prospect’s director Brendan Fowler said: “I am really pleased that with this grant from the Aspiring Communities Fund we can work collaboratively with key local partners on this exciting project that will address the effects of food insecurity but also support greater community resilience and empowerment.”

The £18.5 million Aspiring Communities Fund is delivered by Social Justice and Regeneration Division, Scottish Government as Lead Partner for the 2014-2020 ESF Programme. It will help enable community bodies and third sector organisations in the most deprived and fragile communities to develop and delivery long- term local solutions that address local priorities and needs, increase active inclusion and build on the assets of local communities to reduce poverty and to enable inclusive growth.