Volunteers are hoping to still distribute free food on Christmas Eve, despite news last week that a local hub is to close.
Transition Stirling announced its Community Food Project would end next month after operating for more than four years.
Based in Wellgreen Lane in the city centre, the project helps to reduce food waste, collecting excess food from local supermarkets and offering it to members of the community for free.
While it has yet to elaborate on the reasons behind the decision, the organisation – whose other projects are to continue – said the free section of Stirling Community Food was “no longer sustainable” and would close permanently at 12pm on December 7.
Some reports, however, suggested some volunteers hoped to work with a local businessman to ensure a one off distribution of surplus food on Christmas Eve from the hub.
This week, Azam Haider Bhatti confirmed that friends would be operating a Christmas food bank in his building at 5 Wellgreen Lane on December 24, adding: “I want everyone to have food and a good Christmas.”
A spokesperson posted: “Members of our local community, including former staff and volunteers of the Transition Community Food project, are collaborating with local businessman Azam Haider Bhatti, to open the community food hub building one more time on Christmas Eve.
“The group known as Stirling Aid Christmas Community Food aim to distribute food donated from local businesses and supermarkets for free, offering support to members of our local community during these challenging and difficult economic times.”
Anyone who can help, donate or get involved can email [email protected] or call 07793443437.
The Community Food Project helped an average of 80 people a day, four days a week and helped divert 740 tonnes of food waste from landfill.
Transition Stirling are expected to continue to operate its discounted food project The Pantry from new premises . Other Wellgreen projects including the Tool Library, ReBoot and events will continue to run.