The Country Food Trust has announced a strategic partnership with Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups (SRMG), designed to address food insecurity in the Scottish Borders. This collaboration aims to leverage the strengths of both organisations to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need in the local community.

Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups is a collection of sporting estates from across six regions of Scotland – from rural working communities from the shores of Loch Ness in the Highlands, through the grey mountain ranges of the Monadhliaths, down through picturesque Royal Deeside, over the rolling hills of the Angus Glens, to the traditional sights of Tayside and central Scotland down to the lower regions of the Southern Uplands.

The Scottish Farmer: Scottish Regional Moorland Group Scottish Regional Moorland Group

The partnership launched last week with the delivery of 1216 pouches of Free Range Pheasant Curry and Wild Game Curry. These nutritious, protein-rich meals will be distributed to local food banks and community kitchens, providing wholesome meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity. Burnside Food, a trusted partner in this collaboration, played a crucial role in bringing the Wild Game Curry component to fruition.

SRMG, representing the interests of regional moorland estates, and The Country Food Trust, a charitable organisation dedicated to providing meals to people in need, share a common commitment to addressing food poverty and promoting sustainable food practices. This partnership is a testament to their shared values and the desire to make a positive impact on the communities they serve.

The Scottish Farmer: Scottish Regional Moorland Group Scottish Regional Moorland Group

The Free Range Pheasant Curry and Wild Game Curry, prepared by The Country Food Trust, contribute to a balanced and nutritious diet. Packed with high-quality protein, these meals are pressure cooked in retort pouches, so that they are ambient and have a 12-month shelf life from manufacture.

This collaboration reflects the proactive efforts of SRMG and The Country Food Trust to go beyond traditional boundaries and explore innovative solutions to tackle food insecurity. By working together, the two organisations aim to amplify their impact and contribute to building a more resilient and nourished community in the Scottish Borders.

Commenting on the partnership, the national engagement manager at Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups, Mark Ewart, stated: “We are thrilled to collaborate with The Country Food Trust in this important initiative. This partnership aligns with our commitment to supporting local communities and promoting sustainable practices on regional moorland estates. Together, we hope to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing food insecurity.”

The Scottish Farmer: Scottish Regional Moorland Group Scottish Regional Moorland Group

CEO at The Country Food Trust, SJ Hunt, added: “At The Country Food Trust, we believe in the power of good food to make a positive impact. Our collaboration with Scotland’s Regional Moorland Groups allows us to extend our reach and bring nutritious, protein-rich meals to individuals and families in the Scottish Borders. Together, we can contribute to alleviating food poverty and fostering a healthier, more resilient community.”

This partnership marks the beginning of a concerted effort to address the complex challenge of food insecurity in the region. Both organisations look forward to building on this collaboration, exploring additional opportunities to support the community and create lasting positive change.

The Country Food Trust, as a food poverty charity, has a main goal to raise funds to provide high-protein, nutritious meals to those in need. It distributes these meals to food banks for further distribution to those who require them. It also donates raw meat to community kitchens and larger food banks that have relevant storage and cooking facilities.

The meals are created by a specialist food manufacturer and are high in protein, low in fat, and free of additives.

They are available in two formats: single pouches and catering packs. These retort pouches don’t require refrigeration and have a one-year shelf life from manufacturer.