ALDI DUNDEE - ARBROATH RD

We are a community garden that grows veggies and fruits. Our foremost goal is to provide a safe and judgement-free 'third place' that capitalizes on the existing beauty and nurturing atmosphere intrinsic to a green space. We support the larger community through social events, hosting group activities, encouraging and teaching methods of healthy eating and reducing both our individual and collective carbon footprint. Most of our volunteers are internationals trying to make friends and adjust to life in Dundee, while the products that we either grow ourselves or receive as donations are maintained through our community fridge as part of the Dundee Community Fridge Network (DCFN). A few of our most ardent volunteers collect from large grocers such as Tesco, Co-op, Asda, and Sainsburys, while we are also supported through the Fareshare network. Each Friday and Saturday, we open our larder doors and offer a host of fresh produce, bakery, chilled and frozen foods on an entirely free or donation basis. We average approximately 250 unique visitors and 1000 individuals aided per month through our community fridge. Through Neighbourly, we are able to receive excess plants and seeds from B&Q Garden Centers. Most of this is for immediate use in Victoria Gardens, as we are always trying to increase plant variety and output. Any excess is then offered back to the community on a free or no-obligation donation basis.

A project of Signpost International, we seek to support people experiencing poverty and injustice. We help to empower people to make the most of their resources to address their current challenges and to achieve their full potential within transformed and resilient communities. The aim of our first UK food project is to rescue surplus food that businesses would be throwing out and turn it into tasty, good-for-you meals to be given out by Dundee Foodbank and food larders, when people need a bit of support. Our café offers fresh, affordable in a comfy space, with a pay-it-forward board and social groups. We have a new growing space for edibles and are working towards cookery session, helping to build skills and confidence so that people can respond well to the food they have and grow a love of cooking.

Our well-established Community Food Larder, based in Lochee at Whorterbank, provides free and low-cost groceries and is: • Open to everyone • No referral required (or details needed to be given access). • People have the ability to choose what items they require. • Sustainable middle ground between traditional foodbanks and supermarkets The aim is to promote dignity, ownership and choice to our members, and hope that by offering a larder to our community we are supporting other organisations, as well as reaching out to others in our community. We also run a friendly, sociable café area where members can enjoy hot and cold refreshments as well as access support services, such as: • Energy advice, citizens advice, welfare rights and more… We hope we have created a friendly, non-judgemental environment where people feel safe and comfortable to ask for help when needed.