Inverness Foodstuff are delighted to be part of the Dignity in Practice network and to use the Dignity Principles in our work.
Dignity in Practice project is one of the key projects of Nourish (Scotland) – a charity focussing on food policy and practice, that works for a fair, healthy and sustainable food system that truly values nature and people.
The Dignity in Practice project (delivered in partnership with the Poverty Truth Community)
works alongside community food groups and organisations to explore how we can ensure community food provision is delivered with dignity.
Key to achieving this has been the development of ‘The Dignity Principles’.
✚ A sense of control
Having power to make choices about what, where, when, how and with whom you eat.
✚ Able to take part in community life
Feeling able and welcome to take part in different aspects of community life, regardless of your financial situation.
✚ Nourished and supported
Being able to enjoy food and access support that meets your needs.
✚ Involved in decision-making
Feeling able to share your views and ideas and to have those views taken seriously in decision-making.
✚ Valued and able to contribute
Feeling recognised and valued as a whole person with knowledge, skills and experiences to share.
Of course, as with other groups and organisations, our work has been hugely challenged due to Covid-19. We have had to modify our service and know that some aspects of the Principles are now more difficult to accomplish given we cannot operate the café indoors. However, having the Principles embedded in how we think about our work has been very important to ensure we remain focussed on Dignity at all times. Also, the Dignity Project helpfully produced guidance on ways to think about meeting the new challenges to delivering services that Covid-19 presented.
The project’s peer support programme and forum recognises the role of community initiatives as sources of support to people experiencing food insecurity, as well as being (in normal times) inclusive spaces for people to access, share and enjoy food, regardless of their circumstances. Being able to chat to other groups across Scotland facing the same challenges has been very helpful and supportive…… and fun! It is great to feel part of a wider movement all trying to achieve positive change in a variety of ways.
We have been pleased to take part in training workshops The Dignity Project has facilitated on how we modify and develop our services as we come out of the pandemic – so important at this time. We have also been involved in Nourish (Scotland)’s Consultation on the Right to Food. This ensured we were able to contribute in a meaningful way to the important national conversation about Food insecurity and how we make a more equal society.
You will find more information on Nourish (Scotland) and the Dignity Project via these links:
Dignity in Practice Project – Nourish Scotland
Do take a look to see what is happening nationwide – and learn about the innovative and varied ways the issues around food policy, food production and food insecurity are being addressed across Scotland to ensure fair access to quality food..