Thousands of Fife children will receive a healthy breakfast this winter thanks to the donation of 3,000 tins of porridge.
New York-based PepsiCo has handed over several crates of oats to The Big Hoose Project as part of the region’s biggest ever anti-poverty drive.
The firm, whose products include Doritos, Lay’s crisps and Pepsi Cola, also owns the Scott’s Porage Oats facility in Cupar.
And it was keen to get involved in the project which has already helped 49,000 Fife families in just 10 months.
The project collects food, clothes, bedding, toys and paint from generous firms to help people in crisis.
The Cottage Centre’s honorary patron, Gordon Brown said: “Companies have got the goods people need and we know the people who need the goods.
“We’re trying to make a difference and I don’t think anybody has failed to help us.”
‘Fife works best when it works together’
PepsiCo is one of several companies involved with The Big Hoose, launched by The Cottage Family Centre in January.
It began with Amazon UK donating surplus goods from its giant Fife warehouse.
And it now receives regular donations from the likes of Morrison’s Scotmid and Fisher’s laundry.
It has secured a large warehouse in Lochgelly and operates as a hub, receiving referrals from 500 charities and organisations, schools, health centres and social work teams.
It also involves an army of volunteers who include members of Rotary clubs, churches and businesses across the region.
And more helpers are needed as the project prepares to expand into Edinburgh and the Lothians.
Mr Brown added: “Fife works best when it works together.
“This has got to be the most difficult winter that people have faced.”
Need was far greater than anticipated
Nobody realised the sheer number of families facing poverty when The Big Hoose Project launched.
Cottage staff anticipated requests from 15,000 people but it soon became clear the need was far greater.
They fear even more people will need help as winter bites during the ongoing cost of living crisis.
Mr Brown said: “Over a whole year, we can put in £10 million but people are still down by about £70m because of the cost of heating and food.
“We need to bridge the gap. We’ll keep doing this and keep adding.”
Carl Andrews, PepsiCo senior executive in Cupar, said it was a privilege to be involved.
“We get requests from a lot of charities,” he said.
“This one was of particular interest because it acts as a hub and we know our products will go to families who are in poverty.”
Conversation