The Cupar Foodstation Project aims to conduct feasibility research into opening a food-themed enterprise and welfare hub in the Cupar town centre, offering a community-led solution and a people-centred approach delivered through local organisations and food producers.

The aspiration is that the Cupar Foodstation would house several local organisations, including the Cupar Foodbank, Community Larder, a GP referral scheme for fresh, locally grown produce, a catering training facility, a service offering free refurbished bikes, and an artisanal food and drink retail market.

The Cupar Foodstation Project would be the first scheme of this kind in the UK, drawing together local produce growers, GPs, and local voluntary organisations to provide novel solutions to alleviate the high rates of local poverty, improve health and reduce food waste.

East of Scotland Growers don’t currently have an outlet for tonnes of fruit and vegetables that are in surplus to requirements. Local GPs and the Cupar Foodbank would utilise this through a referral scheme designed to tackle ill-health caused by poor diet.

Tony Miklinski CBE, Chair of the Cupar Development Trust, said, “Cupar Development Trust is delighted to have been awarded funding for our Cupar Foodstation Project. The funding will help us progress an innovative project in Cupar, which is designed to improve the health and well-being of local residents, support our local food and drink producers, regenerate a prominent town centre building, and reduce local food waste. We are extremely grateful to the RSE for their generous funding, which will support this exciting community-benefit project.”