Mackie’s Whisks Up a Treat for Local Community Kitchen

Mackie’s have pledged £2,000 to support local community cooking classes at the Garioch Community Kitchen, just a short distance from where all the ice cream is made on the family farm. The funds will sponsor 100 people to participate in an upskilling cookery session, which will provide over 400 meals to families in the north-east over the next year.

The donation covers the costs of hosting the classes, which teach transferable food skills and promote healthy eating to disadvantaged groups, and those at risk of social isolation across central Aberdeenshire.

In addition, Mackie’s have also donated 100 tea towels to allow participants to take home a little reminder of their time in the kitchen.

Managing Director, Stuart Common, said, “Supporting the local community has always been hugely important to Mackie’s.

“We’re delighted to be able to assist with the vital work of Garioch Community Kitchen in bringing people together to learn new skills and the benefits of a balanced diet.

“We hope this donation will allow even more people to access these brilliant classes and take away useful cooking knowledge.”

Garioch Community Kitchen aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of the local community through its range of informative food workshops delivered in a supportive environment by trained tutors and volunteers.

The cookery sessions cater to all ages and backgrounds but are particularly focused on helping those from disadvantaged areas or experiencing loneliness.

A typical two-hour class for 10 participants costs around £200 once staff time, food, venue hire and insurance is accounted for. Each attendee gets to take home a meal to share with their family.

Sarah Bell, Business Development Manager at Garioch Community Kitchen, said: “We’re extremely grateful for this generous sponsorship from Mackie’s, who clearly share our commitment to improving lives through food.

“Their donation will allow us to run hundreds more classes over the next year, spreading skills and advice on nutrition while creating a warm, social space to bring people together.

“The branded tea towels Mackie’s have donated are also a lovely touch and providing a memento for those taking part, which can also be used when practicing the new skills taken away from the sessions.”

Established in 2011, Garioch Community Kitchen is run by a voluntary committee, with the work being delivered by four part time food skills tutors, a part time business development manager and 20 volunteers. This past year alone the charity has helped over 1500 people in the community through classes, training, events and partnerships with groups like NHS Public Health.

In 2021 the charity received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a Charity can receive.

Mackie’s are delighted to be supporting this local charity, especially one which promotes a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

L-R: Sarah of Garioch Community Kitchen, Kerry of Mackie’s of Scotland