Northfield Academy pupils to help tackle food poverty

Northfield Academy pupils have created a video appeal to encourage people to donate food items they can distribute to members of their local community in Aberdeen during December and up to 31 January 2025.

The Crew Community Collection is made up of pupils from Secondary Years 1 and 2, who as part of their project-based learning in partnership with The Wood Foundation, have developed personal finance skills and increased their awareness of the issues of inequality in their community. This has led the pupils to work with CFINE (Community Food Initiatives North East) to try to help tackle the problem of food poverty locally.

Northfield Academy is an Excelerate school that is supported by investment by The Wood Foundation. Excelerate focuses on the transformation of culture, collaboration, and pedagogy through the professional learning and network opportunities which inspire new and innovative approaches in education.

Councillor Martin Greig, Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Project-based learning offers pupils the opportunity to investigate and respond to engaging and complex issues. By working with CFINE, Northfield Academy pupils are keen to help deal with the problem of food poverty.

“The pupils are compassionate and proactive in their efforts to help those in need in their community.  The pupils are setting a great example to us all, particularly at this time of year, when it is a time for giving.”

Councillor Jessica Mennie, Vice-Convener of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “The Crew Community Collection is another great example of Northfield Academy working with organisations – The Wood Foundation and CFINE – to give pupils greater educational experiences. This project encourages pupils to be inquisitive and work together and with others to help their local community.”

Ryan McKenzie, depute head at Northfield Academy, said: "We are fortunate, that through the Excelerate Investment by The Wood Foundation, we have been able to build strong community partnerships. Our Business and Community Support Officer invests time into nurturing these partnerships, allowing them to grow and become embedded in the school.

“This is our second year working with CFINE, and we are delighted to see how the project has developed. The addition of Crew Community Collection empowers our young people to make a difference in their community."

Ali MacLachlan, The Wood Foundation’s UK Director, said: “The main goal for The Wood Foundation’s Excelerate investment is to empower young people towards making more informed and active choices.

“Project-based learning is an effective and engaging way to motivate young people in their learning, allowing them to strengthen their skills, while driving forward work that is rooted in a real-world context.

“Our Business and Community Support Officer, Amy Ether, plays an integral role in deepening relationships and activities between Northfield Academy, employers, and the wider community.

“It is also exciting to see Crew – which is an approach to learning that helps students thrive in communities worldwide – now improving school experiences and community connections here in the north-east."

Martin Carle, Sustainable Food Coordinator, CFINE, said: “It is always a real pleasure collaborating with Northfield Academy. It is clear that the Crew Community Collection has really embraced the project and it is tremendous to see everyone working so hard to support CFINE. The project and collection will have a big impact in supporting CFINE’s core services - the SAFE team, CFINE food support services, and Granite City Good Food - Aberdeen’s Sustainable Food Partnership.”

Kayleigh, a Secondary Year Two (S2) pupil at Northfield Academy, said: “Crew Community Collection is allowing us to help other people in need, we are able to share things that others might not have.”

Gabby, a Secondary Year One (S1) pupil at Northfield Academy, added: “Our new Project Based Learning is allowing us to show some love for CFINE this Christmas.”

Milena, a Secondary Year One (S1) pupil at Northfield Academy, said: “December and January are a hard time for many families. If you are able to donate and support CFINE and Northfield's Crew Community Collection, we will be able to support more families this year.”

Food items should be unopened, non-chilled and in date, such as cereals, teabags, coffee, biscuits, noodles, sauces, pasta, rice, long-life milk, spices and tins.  For some who have pets donations of dog and cat food would also be appreciated.   

Donations can be dropped off during school opening hours at Northfield Academy, Bramble Brae School, Quarryhill School, Heathryburn School, Westpark School, Manor Park School, Holy Family RC School and Muirfield School.  Please note schools close on Friday 20 December and reopen on Monday 6 January 2025.

To find out more about CFINE and the services it offers, please visit www.cfine.org.

If you are running low on food and essential items due to financial constraints or other pressures, you can visit CFINE’s food bank, which is open every weekday from 10am-3pm at 2-4 Poynernook Road, AB11 5RW or telephone 01224 596156, lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am-4pm.

Please see below CFINE Emergency Food Provision - Festive Opening Hours.