A Dundee charity is transforming outdoor spaces in both Dundee and Kenya, teaching communities how to grow their own food, while also reducing waste.
Visitors to Signpost International, based at The Roundhouse, have planted apple trees and welcomed a new greenhouse. Raised beds have also been installed, all contributing to a vibrant and educational garden environment while strengthening the circular economy of food in Dundee.
Simultaneously, the charity is currently working in Kenya, planting community-run tree nurseries.
From Dundee, Signpost International collects surplus food from supermarkets, greengrocers, bakers, and allotments. The charity then transforms it into nutritious frozen meals, which are distributed to those in need through foodbanks and larders. Once ripe, the apples and produce grown in the greenhouse, including bananas and passion fruit, will be used for the same purpose. Meanwhile, inedible foods will be converted into compost for use in the garden, allotments and other community projects.
Through a range of activities, the charity also works with community members, meal recipients, school pupils and young people to build their confidence, skills and understanding of growing, preserving and cooking fresh and nutritious foods.
While rooted in Dundee, Signpost International also supports communities around the world. Through global partnerships, the charity empowers people to tackle poverty and injustice, helping to build thriving, resilient communities. Its work focuses on four key themes: food security, sustainable livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene, and global citizenship, impacting 30,000 to 35,000 people annually.
Jamie Morrison, CEO of Signpost International, commented, “Our local area is undergoing considerable regeneration, with significant house-building underway. Our garden has the potential to be an oasis in the midst of this redevelopment, allowing us to further develop our outside space and encourage local biodiversity.
“While these improvements to our garden will also produce delicious fruits and vegetables for our cooking and education programmes, their impact goes far beyond Dundee.
"Children here are learning where food comes from, how to prepare and cook it, and how to reduce food waste. This project beautifully complements our work in Kenya where, during my recent visit, I saw children and families experiencing fruit trees for the first time - we’ve now introduced mango and pawpaw into their diets!"
The Roundhouse Garden improvements have been made possible by a £10,000 grant from the LNER Customer and Community Investment Fund, which will also fund a part-time gardener to support the development and maintenance of the outdoor space.
Rachael Wilson, Community Investment Manager at LNER, said, “We are thrilled that we can support the important work that Signpost International carry out both on the LNER route in Dundee and in other parts of the world. This grant will help Signpost International fulfil an LNER commitment to be ‘Better for our Planet’ by reducing food waste, making communities more aware of where their food comes from, and strengthening the circular economy of food in the city.”
For more information, visit: https://theroundhouse.scot/
Signpost International SCIO
Since 1992 we have worked with people & communities around the world & here in Scotland to ensure they have sufficient good food to eat, are able to earn a sustainable income, can access safe water & sanitation, and are able to realise & practice their rights as global citizens. Through global partnerships we reach between 25-35,000 people annually
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