NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation (NHSTCF) has awarded a substantial funding package of £100,000 over two years to Dundee Bairns. This grant is dedicated to enabling the charity to continue and expand their vital food provision work, reaching children and families across the city. Dundee Bairns operates two key programmes: the "Fun and Food Programme," providing free breakfasts and lunches during school holidays, and the "Tea Club," offering two-course hot evening meals after school during winter months. They work closely with local communities, delivering meals through clubs and groups in areas of deprivation.
Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for many families in Dundee, particularly during school holidays when children no longer have access to school meal provisions. The demand for Dundee Bairns' services has been steadily increasing, highlighting a critical need for consistent and substantial support to ensure that vulnerable children receive nutritious meals. Without dedicated funding, the continuity of these essential programmes would be at risk, leading to many children potentially going hungry.
Recognising this urgent need, NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation stepped forward with a substantial two-year grant. This funding reflects our deep commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that directly improve the health and wellbeing of our communities.
A special cheque presentation took place this week, where representatives from both organisations gathered to mark the milestone. Pictured left to right are David Dorward (Dundee Bairns), Richard McIntosh, Brian Jones, Colleen Carlton, and Shelley McCarthy from NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation.
Brian Jones, Trustee of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation and Chair of the Charitable Funds Committee, articulated our shared mission: "We are proud to stand alongside Dundee Bairns in their mission to ensure that every child in Dundee has access to the most basic of necessities — a nutritious meal. This grant reflects our commitment to supporting grassroots initiatives that directly improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. By investing in this vital programme, we are helping to build a stronger, healthier future for children and families across the city.”
Colleen Carlton, Trustee of NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation and Chair of the Children and Young Persons Committee, added: “Dundee Bairns has been a beacon of hope for many families in our community, and we’re incredibly proud to support their work. With food insecurity still affecting so many households, especially during school holidays, this funding will ensure vulnerable children have access to nutritious meals in a safe and supportive environment. It’s a powerful example of how charitable giving can change lives.”
The impact of this £100,000 grant is profound and immediate. David Dorward, Chair of Dundee Bairns, highlighted the scale of their work: "Through these two food programmes we have delivered 600,000 nutritious meals since 2016. We can only do this because of Tayside Contracts who prepare the meals and our volunteers who deliver them to the projects, and of course our funders. Without this £100,000 funding from the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation we simply would not be able to provide these food programme and frankly there would be some Dundee children going hungry. We are truly very grateful for the fantastic support we receive from the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation." This funding directly ensures the continuity of these vital food programmes, providing nutritious meals and a sense of security for thousands of children.
The Future
This two-year funding package provides Dundee Bairns with crucial stability, enabling them to continue and expand their life-changing food provision work. It ensures that their "Fun and Food Programme" and "Tea Club" can meet the increasing demand, reinforcing the safety net for vulnerable children and families in Dundee. The grant aligns perfectly with NHSTCF’s mission to empower communities and support health and wellbeing initiatives that make a lasting difference in Tayside. We are excited to see Dundee Bairns continue its invaluable work, building a healthier and brighter future for the children of Dundee.
