Established by Coatbridge’s Trieda Hill, the Takeaway Alliance has been praised by politicians in Holyrood. The scheme has provided free meals to young people affected by deprivation. A total of 26 eateries have participated in the initiative.
Hill had the idea of an alliance during a period of lockdown. She used social media to gather support for her vision. Her Route 66 café set the plan in motion, and other local businesses soon got on board. The hope was that the meals could be offered to individuals in a discreet fashion. She explained the situation to the Airdrie and Coatbridge Advertiser:
“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.”
Takeaways on Coatbridge’s Sunnyside Road, like Indian Sizzler and Bon Appetite, have got involved in the scheme. Firehouse Grill and 11 Spice, both of which are located on Main Street, have also stepped up to the challenge. Flyer printing is often useful in the takeaway sector.
A motion was lodged in the Scottish Parliament by Elaine Smith, who represents Central Scotland. This welcomed the coordinated intervention of Lanarkshire businesses. In particular, the motion thanked Hill for her effort to limit hunger.