Healthy eating project feasts on success

Jun 11 2009 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A HEALTHY eating project has secured over £350,000 in recognition of its success.

West Lothian Food and Health Development (WELFEHD) has been recognised with awards of £200,000 from the Scottish Investment Fund and £150,000 from West Lothian Council.

The scheme has been established for two years and provides high-quality fresh fruit and vegetables to both local communities and businesses.

The two awards bring the total funding secured by WELFEHD in recent months to £1,570,978.

And along with previous awards from The Big Lottery Fund, Voluntary Action Fund, Lloyds TSB and Awards For All, represent the largest funding package ever secured by a West Lothian social enterprise.

Dr James Wallace, chairperson of WELFEHD said: “The board of directors and staff are delighted that we will be able to carry on supporting community-based food initiatives and volunteering in West Lothian by providing new and exciting opportunities that will promote the benefits of eating a balanced diet.

“The award will allow WELFEHD to lead the way on social enterprise not only in West Lothian but in Scotland.”

Under the Scottish Government fund, WELFEHD will receive a £200,000 strategic investment grant to help fund the purchase of a £950,000 premises which will help the company’s long-term stability and create additional income opportunities.

In addition to the SIF investment, WELFEHD has also raised an additional £200,000 bank loan from Unity Bank plc to help further develop the scheme.

The award will enable WELFEHD to buy its own building and continue to introduce innovation and create jobs.

It also means that healthy eating initiatives will be high on the agenda for West Lothian for the foreseeable future.

Craig Campbell, chief executive of Social Investment Scotland, who manages the fund on behalf of the Scottish Government, said: “The Scottish Investment Fund has been created to help thriving social businesses like WELFEHD to develop its operations for the benefit of the communities it serves.

“The development of social enterprises is more important to Scotland than ever and, through a range of initiatives including the SIF, we are keen to help them become sustainable businesses and make an economic as well as social contribution.”

The award of £150,000 from West Lothian Council is to help with the establishment of the social enterprise hub.

Leader of the council, Peter Johnston, commented: “West Lothian Council is very pleased to support WELFEHD.

“The team has worked hard to secure funding to establish the Social Enterprise Hub and has been fully engaged with the Business Gateway during the process.”

For more information on WELFEHD and a list of where its food co-ops are please see www.welfehd.co.uk or call 01506 429000.