A COMMUNITY based fruit and vegetable foodbank is offering free food and pet food to those in need to mark challenge poverty week 2021.

East Lothian Roots and Fruits project aims to make fruit and vegetables affordable and accessible, to improve on current services, which tackle poverty and health in the East Lothian region.

The organisation currently carries out a wide range of services including weekly fruit and vegetable deliveries, cookery workshops, delivery service to housebound, disabled and isolated people who are unable to access shops and health promotional sessions.

Based on Main Street in Elphinstone, the team will take part in challenge poverty week 2021, which runs until October 10, by offering free food, free pet food and other items to those in need.

Pamela Mckinlay, of East Lothian Roots and Fruits, said: “Many families are still struggling, anti-poverty week is so important as it is highlighting these important issues.

“We support families on a weekly basis working in partnership with other organisations.

“We hope to reach out and help as many people as we can during challenge poverty week to show our support.”