A community-led charity has started up an initiative that allows people to lend a helping hand by discreetly paying for someone’s food or drink.
EATS Rosyth, in conjunction with their partners at Rosyth Foodbank, is offering the Pay-it-Forward provision. This allows people to discreetly and confidentially pay for part or all of someone’s meal by paying forward a donation at the till.
Morven Summers, community food co-ordinator at EATS Rosyth, said: “EATS Rosyth have always been dedicated to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone in our community no matter what their situation.
"We believe that everyone deserves to be able to come to a café, meet friends, get a hot meal or even treat themselves to a cheeky slice of cake.
READ MORE: Broomhead Drive flats’ bin chutes to be closed off
“In a climate where, for many, eating out is considered luxury and unaffordable, by offering Pay-it-Forward we can give those who can afford it the opportunity to help those who are currently less able, with dignity for all.”
There is not currently a timeline on how long Pay-it-Forward will run, but Morven added: "As long as our incredible community keeps donating towards it, we will always do our best to evolve to their needs, and if that means keeping the Pay-it-Forward going that is what we will do."
EATS Rosyth also provide affordable food for the community by intercepting surplus food and sharing it in their hub.
Morven said: “In an ideal world, there would be no need for the initiative at all, and we will always strive to help our community reach that goal.
"We do this through working in line with the Government's cash-first initiative; we will continue our ambition of reducing supermarket food waste in our larder for a 'pay as you can' donation; running our community meal and warm space provisions, which currently run three times a week; offering opportunities like our budget cooking or beginner's cooking classes; and working with partners like The Well and Community Bank where people can get advice on financial issues.
“However, as the cost of living does not look likely to reduce any time soon, we will continue to offer Pay-it-Forward because we believe that food is at the heart of every community no matter where you come from, so through coming together for a good meal we can only strengthen the relationships we have built over the years.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here