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 this 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”.
She used social media to share the idea, started at her Route 66 cafe in Motherwell – and it quickly went viral, with other big-hearted 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.
Trieda says the response has been “unbelievable” and told the Airdrie and Coatbridge 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.
“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.”
