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ECFI Background

The initial funding proposal was the result of discussions between representatives from four local community food co-ops who had come together to look at commonly held issues and challenges. Each of the food co-ops was operating on a very small budget with restricted access to transport. This limited the quantity, variety and type of food that could be stocked. Providing fresh produce was particularly difficult due to a number of factors: e.g. lack of capital; lack of appropriate storage facilities; unsuitable environment; the inability to afford stock wastage; lack of funding for advertising/promotion. The problems expressed by the food co-ops were of a largely practical nature, primarily related to supply issues. The grant funding though, provided for a project that had the potential to bring a wider and more developmental approach to tackling community food issues across the city.

We feel that the main barriers to healthier eating are factors that are largely outwith the control of individuals. These barriers are often characterised as:

ACCESS
to adequate and appropriate shopping opportunities
AVAILIBILITY
of a range of desired food items
AFFORDABILITY
of foods required for a healthier diet
APTITUDES
or the skills, knowledge and confidence required to source and prepare appropriate foods
ATTITUDES
feelings, habits and ideas we have developed and become accustomed to in relation food issues

The lower the level of material assets a person has access to then more difficult it becomes to overcome these barriers.
>> Find out more about food poverty

ECFI uses provide & promote approach to tackling the barriers to healthier eating in each of its programmes. ECFI’s programmes are The Community Programme, which has paid workers operating in Craigmillar, Leith and Lochend, Little Leithers, which works with families in Leith & the Happy Jack Project, which works in all of the city´s Child and Family Centres.