Chef Mark Greenaway announces Cyrenians as his Charity of the Year

Former Great British Menu contestant, chef Mark Greenaway has announced that over the next twelve months he will be working closely with Cyrenians - a Scottish charity working with the homeless and vulnerable - as Restaurant Mark Greenaway’s nominated charity of the year.  

Mark said: “I am extremely proud to be an ambassador for Cyrenians.  Their link with food captured my interest initially and I hope to offer them a helping hand in as many ways possible.  As a chef, the idea of empowering people through food is one that is very close to my heart and I am really looking forward to working with the entire team throughout the year. “

Mark is already working closely with Cyrenians Farm in Edinburgh which sells fresh local produce to restaurants, delis and grocers through a veg-bag scheme. The farm is also home to vulnerable young people.  Working with Rob Davidson, the farm’s Enterprise Manager, it now directly supplies Restaurant Mark Greenaway with produce grown specifically for them.  Mark hopes to continue and grow this relationship throughout the year along with helping to promote the amazing produce by creating a collection of inspiring recipes using ingredients from their veg-bags.  

Cyrenians also run a Good Food Programme, a social enterprise that supports people through access to food, improves their health and wellbeing, and develops skills and confidence around cooking. Last year, they distributed nearly 300 tonnes of surplus food benefitting some 4,500 people every week. They also provide classes with 'hands on' activities that encourage healthy eating and promote social inclusion. Mark was honoured to be asked to teach one of these classes last year.    Throughout the year he will once again teach a selection of classes as well as helping the Good Food depot in their upcoming expansion.

Ewan Aitken, Chief Executive of Cyrenians said: “Mark’s support for our upcoming events that will bring people together around food, as a customer of our farm’s produce, and an honorary guest tutor for our GoodFood Education classes fit perfectly with our aims around Community and Food. 

“We are delighted to have Mark Greenaway’s support, and look forward to working together over the coming year to find more ways to provide Something to Eat and Someone to Eat With.”

Over the course of the year, Mark and Cyrenians will be working together on a collection of seasonal events and initiatives including a summer street food party, a barbeque at the farm, an exclusive breakfast event and cooking classes to name just a few.  The ultimate goal is to expand and promote the charity and the remarkable work that they do.