From a quiet start, a Fife drop-in service is now greeting 45 people every week.
The idea for the drop-in at Auchterderran Hall started in 2017 when a small group from Auchterderran Parish Church, along with a group from St Ninian’s RC Church, met a representative from Fareshare.
They discussed the possibility of distributing surplus bakery items and fruit and vegetables from Tesco Express in Cardenden.
With the support of Ore Valley Housing as a distribution point, the Saturday and Sunday collections from Tesco started that November.
However, this was not as successful as had been first hoped because of issues around keeping the produce fresh.
The group met again to work out a more practical approach and discuss the possibility of buying a chest freezer.
Kinglassie community council gave a grant towards its purchase and this allowed the group to keep things fresh for distribution on Mondays.
To enhance this and reach as many people as possible who could be experiencing food poverty, the group arranged to visit Glenrothes foodbank.
It was agreed the project would become a collection and distribution point which now enables it to issue foodbank vouchers during its weekly sessions.
They went on to look at reaching out to all age groups – and so decided on a Tuesday drop-in to serve soup and sandwiches.
Ore Valley Housing provided the group with a start-up grant and the doors were opened on January 9 2018.
Many organisations, including Fife Council, Ore Valley Housing Association, Cardenden community council, Cardenden community development forum, Auchterderran Guild, Auchterderran Choir and Auchterderran tea committee helped fund a dishwasher which is used by all groups.
From that first event a year ago , the volunteers now have, on average, 45 people attending every Tuesday.
They can range from nine months to 90 years old.
The weekly event also helps tackle social isolation.
It’s turned into a weekly one-stop shop, with visits from outside agencies offering advice in addition to help given by Ore Valley staff.
While it was closed on Christmas Day, it did open on New Year’s Day, serving up a dinner of steak pie and mash and offering homemade baking, dumpling and shortbread to everyone who visited.
Everyone is welcome for a bowl of hot homemade soup and a sandwich every Tuesday between 11am and 1pm. There is no charge but donations are welcomed.
