Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Parliament praise for free meals initiative
A growing initiative established by a Coatbridge woman which is providing free meals on request to youngsters in need has been praised at the Scottish Parliament.
Trieda Hill started the Takeaway Alliance following last month’s new lockdown announcement, which allows children to collect free meals from 26 cafes and restaurants across Lanarkshire by discreetly asking staff if “auntie Trisha is in”.
The Advertiser told last month how her idea quickly went viral after being shared on social media, with dozens of other bighearted local businesses quickly joining in.
Now their generous community work has been praised at Holyrood, with Central Scotland representative Elaine Smith lodging a motion which has been supported by a number of cross-party colleagues, including Coatbridge and Airdrie MSPS Fulton Macgregor and Alex Neil.
It states that “the parliament commends the Takeaway Alliance group of Lanarkshire food retailers for their kindness and innovative efforts in helping feed hungry children for free” and “acknowledges the sad reality of what is happening”.
The motion also commends Treida by noting Holyrood’s “thanks to ‘auntie Trisha’ for her action to help ensure that no child should go hungry or be embarrassed to ask for food”.
Monklands businesses taking part in the project are Coatbridge takeaways Bon Appetite and Indian Sizzler, both on Sunnyside Road; Firehouse Grill and 11 Spice on the town’s Main Street; Molly’s Deli on West Canal Street and Simple Fillin on Gartsherrie Road; plus The Munch Brunch and BLT, both on Clark Street in Airdrie.
Coatbridge resident Trieda, who is also a martial arts instructor at Tora black belt academy in Monklands, ran a similar scheme with partner Tom Mcnally at their Route 66 cafe in Motherwell when it first reopened after last year’s initial lockdown.
Any child in need of a meal can attend any of the participating takeaways – which can only serve customers at external doors or hatches under the current coronavirus restrictions – and say: “Is my auntie Trisha in?” to be given a free meal.
Trieda says the business community’s response has been “unbelievable”, telling the Advertiser: “It’s been amazing – so many people have wanted to share this and get on board, and it’s really brought people together in stepping up to help.
“One of the reasons we’re saying it’s for kids to come in is to make it easy and discreet, as so many people are proud and have never needed this before.
“There’s a whole new problem of families now needing assistance who didn’t before because so many people have lost their jobs and wages – so many people are struggling.
“Takeaways are providing an important service in this time and people appreciate what we do.
“It’s been great to see the response and how many people have come on board, and it’s really raised morale.”
“We’re in this together and don’t want to see any kid go hungry in this time of Covid lockdown; they can come to any of us and get something, and I hope those who need it do use it.”