A family-owned Scottish wholesaler is marking its 150th anniversary with a meaningful community initiative.
Dunns Food and Drinks based on Glasgow Road, Blantyre has teamed up with Community Links, a South Lanarkshire-based charity, to launch Make A Meal Of It. This initiative, supported by funding from the Austin Hope Pilkington Trust, aims to empower local families with hands-on cooking demonstrations that teach how to prepare healthy, budget-friendly meals using seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
In collaboration with three local schools, the program will engage 150 families from urban areas in South Lanarkshire. The first interactive session, led by Dunns’ executive development chef Donnie Munro, was held this month at the company’s development kitchen in Blantyre.
Participants learned to prepare a festive menu costing around £10 for a family of four. The dishes included roast Christmas chicken with sage and onion stuffing, sticky vegetables, roast potatoes, and a chicken and rice soup made from leftovers. The session highlighted the importance of reducing food waste while maximising meal value. Attendees also received goodie bags containing all the ingredients and recipes needed to recreate the dishes at home.
Julie Dunn, Managing Director of Dunns Food and Drinks and Chairperson of Community Links, said:
“As a family business deeply rooted in South Lanarkshire, we’re honoured to celebrate 150 years by giving back to our community. Make A Meal Of It not only provides families with practical cooking skills but also strengthens ties to local, sustainable produce. This initiative is the start of what we hope will be a lasting legacy.”
Additional sessions are planned for early 2025.
For more information about Dunns Food & Drinks, visit www.dunnsfoodanddrinks.co.uk.
