Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE), an Aberdeen-based charity and social enterprise maintains a contact-free emergency food delivery service for self-isolated, food insecure individuals and families during the coronavirus outbreak.
Although the CFINE premises are closed to the public, with the help of over a hundred dedicated volunteers, partners and donors, the charity continues to provide food aid for vulnerable people. The emergency parcels are safely distributed by volunteer drivers, and from Tuesday, April 7, CFINE’s two electric cargo bikes are used to combat hunger.
Lisa Duthie, CFINE chief executive, said: “We are delighted to announce that our electric cargo bikes are joining the fight against hunger during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“CFINE is committed to tackling poverty, and our services have never been more needed than they are now. Our volunteers and staff are working tirelessly to make sure that no one goes hungry at these difficult times. The adapted emergency food provision has proven to be a safe and efficient way to help those who need it the most.
“We would like to express our appreciation to our volunteers, partners, donors and funders for their continued support - without which, we would be unable to meet the demands on our services at this time.”
The electric cargo bikes are part of a wider project, called ‘Vegaroonitoon’, which is supported by the Transport for Scotland, Energy Saving Trust - Ebike Grant Fund. The project aims to increase access to fresh food and emergency food parcels for those who cannot make their way to the CFINE premises, for health or other reasons.
Under normal circumstances, the bikes are also used for smaller fruit and vegetable deliveries to households or companies, reducing carbon emission by taking pressure off the vans, and raising awareness of the benefits of electric vehicles.
CFINE gets on its bike