The 25th anniversary of community food charity East Lothian Roots and Fruits has been celebrated in a Scottish Parliament motion tabled by South Scotland MSP Martin Whitfield.

Mr Whitfield’s motion congratulated the charity, which has its hub in Elphinstone, on reaching the milestone, acknowledged the range of work it undertook and commended the project, its staff, volunteers and supporters for the positive impact it had on promoting healthier eating and tackling poverty.

Mr Whitfield said: “East Lothian Roots and Fruits provides a range of important services which have a really positive impact on the health and wellbeing of local people and communities.

“It is one of East Lothian’s most effective and best-loved charities and I was delighted to help mark this anniversary and commend everyone involved in its work at the Scottish Parliament.”

The full Parliamentary motion reads: “That the Parliament congratulates Elphinstone-based charity East Lothian Roots and Fruits on its 25th anniversary; notes that the community food project has the aim of making fruit and vegetables affordable and accessible in order to help tackle poverty and improve health; further notes that its current activities in support of that aim include its community hub in Elphinstone, weekly fruit and veg box deliveries, a delivery service to housebound, disabled and isolated people, a small community garden and supplying fruit to schools, nurseries and playgroups; and commends the project, its manager Pamela McKinlay, and all of its volunteers, supporters and funders across East Lothian, including East Lothian Council, which has been the project’s main funder since it started in 1998, on their 25 years of promoting healthier eating and tackling poverty.”