A MUSIC festival has pledged to donate thousands of pounds to a charity tackling food poverty in the Scottish capital.
The Terminal V festival has already donated more than £6000 to Edinburgh Food Project but has now decided to join the charity in an ongoing partnership.
It means the festival will support the charity for the next 12 months and beyond with regular financial contributions.
Terminal V has been running in Edinburgh since 2017, with co-founders Derek Martin and Simon McGrath making frequent donations to charity but they have now decided to concentrate on the Food Project which has seen unprecedented demand as a result of the cost of living crisis.
The Food Project is now distributing three times the number of food parcels that it handed out just 18 months ago.
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The charity runs seven food banks across the city in Broughton, Clermiston, Craigmillar, Grassmarket, Pilton, Prestonfield and South Queensferry, providing emergency food provision to people in crisis who have been referred by partner services.
Director Bethany Biggar welcomed the festival’s support.
“It’s fantastic to have one of the giants of the Edinburgh entertainment scene behind us – proving that you can have a great time and do good at the same time,” she said. “We are thrilled that Terminal V are continuing to support people in crisis across Edinburgh by asking people to donate to the food banks.”
Each parcel from the food bank contains enough non-perishable food to feed one person three balanced meals and snacks for three days, and the project also runs an FCA-accredited money advice line, which connects a team of specialist advisers with people who need help accessing the benefits they are entitled to and managing their finances.
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Festival co-director McGrath said: “Support from Edinburgh’s vibrant community has helped Terminal V go from strength to strength over the years, and we’ve always been committed to sharing that success.
“Our ongoing partnership with the Edinburgh Food Project will help to support the increasing number of people facing food poverty across the city, ensuring the dedicated team is able to keep up with unprecedented demand.
"Having volunteered at the charity’s distribution centre in December, we’re really proud to announce this ongoing partnership, and hope to donate even more vital funds following this year’s events.”
Named Best Festival at DJ Mag’s Best of British Awards 2023, Terminal V will return to The Royal Highland Centre and Showground, Edinburgh, on April 13 and April 14, with performances from 80-plus artists across five stages.
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