Fife chutney-maker swapping condiments for ready meals to help families badly in need

A Fife chutney-maker has swapped condiments for ready meals to help families in need.

Byam Trotter, owner of Trotter’s Independent Condiments, has teamed up with caterer and private chef Tom Davidson to produce the health food.

Made in Byam’s industrial kitchen in Kirkcaldy, the entire first batch was donated to the town’s Cottage Family Centre, which helps vulnerable families in the community.

Other local suppliers, including Raith Fruits and We’re Game, are also involved.

Byam said his motivation was to help those in need but the only way he could do it was to charge those who could pay to subsidise those who could not.

He and Tom will donate one meal for every three they sell.

Anyone ordering will be given the option to pay for additional meals, which will be donated to a local charity or foodbank.

“It’s more important then ever before to care for people now the country is in lockdown,” Byam said.

“By delivering nutritious meals made from local ingredients, we aim to feed everyone, whether they can afford it or not.”

Meals can be ordered online at trottersindependent.co.uk/supermeals or by phone on 07712 339 275.

Meanwhile, volunteers have been urged to step forward to join the teams of people helping the Levenmouth community.

Brag Enterprises has adapted the way it delivers its services to ensure they continue in some form.

Children’s Bookbug sessions provided by Square Start, a joint project with Fife Gingerbread, have continued via live video on Facebook.

Families involved in the project have also been given boxes of food and craft materials and online cookery lessons are delivered by volunteers.

Brag’s Levenmouth Together group has joined forces with the People’s Pantry and helping get essentials supplies to families, thanks to donations from Lidl, Stuart’s the Bakers, Aldi, Fife Creamery and Fair Share.

Food parcels are also being taken to members of the community who are self-isolating.

Brag managing director Brian Robertson-Fern said: “Now, more than ever before, our communities need those who are fit and able to pitch in and help.

“Brag has been proud to do its bit and the testimony to everyone involved is that no one is left behind.

“You too can do your bit.

“If you want to get involved within your community, you can connect with a group in your area. The scheme is called Helping Hands and is being managed by Fife Voluntary Action.”

Anyone who can help should email helpinghand@fva.org or call 0800 389 6046.

“We aim to feed everyone, whether they can afford it or not. BYAM TROTTER