A MUCH-LOVED county charity has helped out food initiatives across East Lothian.

The Walk With Scott Foundation (WWSF) awarded 10 food-based community groups a share of £5,000.

Funding was awarded to Dunbar Food Share, North Berwick Kindness Co-operative, Our Community Kitchen, Lammermuir Larder, Fa’side Community Kitchen and Roots & Fruits.

Additionally, community food hubs in Port Seton, Prestonpans, Wallyford and Whitecraig have all benefited too.

Colin McGinn, vice-chair of the Walk With Scott Foundation and a Tranent ward councillor, said: “WWSF is a great admirer of the work these community food initiatives do.

“It’s much more than simply providing quality hot meals to those who may not be able to access these on a regular basis.

“These hubs provide friendship and companionship, and an escape from isolation and loneliness for some people.”

The Walk With Scott Foundation was founded by Tranent resident the late Scott Glynn, who passed away on New Year’s Day 2020.

The foundation has worked with several of the benefitting organisations for years and decided to widen its support across the county to help as many initiatives as possible.

Tom Shearer, WWSF ambassador, said: “This is a really good example of what WWSF does; we are a strong force for good across East Lothian.

“These awards are only made possible by the many people (‘Scotters’) who support our events and raise funds for us. We hope these awards make those people proud and help to provide much-needed additional support to keep these great community food initiatives going.”

A number of charities came forward to thank the foundation for their help.

Pamela Martin, from Wallyford Community Centre Association, said: “The individuals and groups that we engage with will reap the benefits. Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but what we give.”

While Elaine Gale, who leads the Our Community Kitchen team in Haddington, added: “This grant is massively appreciated and will help us to continue our work going forward.

“It’s been a very tough few years and now people will also be struggling financially with the fuel crisis, as well as being isolated during Covid. People feel loved when they eat good food and then friendships follow.

“I would like to thank WWSF on behalf of everyone who joins us around the table. It really does mean a lot; WWSF’s contribution to the communities across East Lothian is amazing.”