This seminar was the launch of our research report about Centrestage’s distinct approach to dignified food provision.
Oliver Escobar and Fiona McKenzie at the launch of the Centrestage report
The need for food provision is growing in the UK and the shame and stigma of resorting to foodbanks are significant barriers to access for those needing support. Solving food poverty and the causes of increased foodbank use may take time; meanwhile, there is a clear need for immediate innovations in the provision of services.
Centrestage is a charity that uses food and the arts to engage people, helping to improve their life chances and (re)build communities.
This seminar launched our research report about Centrestage’s innovative food provision programme in some of the most deprived areas of North and East Ayrshire. The programme helps people to access support, address underlying problems, build relationships and develop capacity for community action.
The launch event
Around 60 people came to the event to hear a live interview with Centrestage’s co-director Fiona McKenzie; a presentation of key research findings; short reflections by funders, policy-makers and academics; and table conversations to share your thoughts and experiences.
The speakers included:
- Fiona McKenzie & Paul Mathieson (Centrestage)
- Rachel McKechnie (Scottish Government)
- Lynn Hendry (Hunter Foundation)
- Briege Nugent (University of Edinburgh)
- Dr Hayley Bennett (University of Edinburgh / What Works Scotland)
The event was hosted by Oliver Escobar, Co-director of What Works Scotland at the University of Edinburgh.
- Date: 10 January 2017
- Location: Grassmarket Community Project
Resources
Read and download the full research report and summary report Fun, food, folk: the Centrestage approach to dignified food provision
Written by Briege Nugent and Oliver Escobar, the report shows how Centrestage achieves impact, and draws lessons to inform policy and practice.
Reactions
Aspirational food; dignified, social sharing making use of “pay it forward” contributed to phenomenal success https://t.co/8W9qDNiZpY
— Fiona bennett (@fionabennett19) January 10, 2017
What an interesting afternoon on dignified food provision with @CentrestageMT and @WWScot #funfoodfolk #scotland thanks to all involved 👍
— Lindsay Graham (@LindsayGrahamUK) January 10, 2017
Dignified food provision: you heard it first here. https://t.co/w2j1Qftv7w
— Eleanor McL (@EleanorMcL) January 10, 2017
Love this – great to see work of @fionacs & @CentrestageMT team recognised in the research. https://t.co/X8zHqPcZNM
— Jason Peter (@Jason_Peter_NA) January 11, 2017
@fionacs leads audience in “Lean on me’ singalong! #funfoodfolk pic.twitter.com/XEU5Ki79Ag
— What Works Scotland (@WWScot) January 10, 2017
Loving @NugentBriege input this afternoon. ‘ you matter and your worth more’ 👍on #funfoodfolk project learnings #Scotland @CentrestageMT pic.twitter.com/mZsfJkyto0
— Lindsay Graham (@LindsayGrahamUK) January 10, 2017
