Tuesday 6 September 2016

The Stirling Food Assembly: Why I'm a Fan

The word “Assembly” will either bring back really positive memories for you, or fill you with reminiscent dread. For me, sadly, it’s the latter with too many school assemblies being filled with awkward class rep speeches, knee knocking ‘show & tells’ along with a boatload of culottes, plimsolls and Kumbaya. However, I’m ready for all of that to change. There’s a new Assembly coming to town and one I’m banging down the door to get into!

Stirling’s first ever Food Assembly is due to launch later this month which is essentially the lovechild of online shopping and farmer’s markets. Traditionally produced, local food meets new age techy convenience – I love it! Once the Stirling Food Assembly goes live, you will be able to select and pay online, then simply collect in person on a wide range of foodstuffs such as freshly baked sourdough bread, lovingly made preserves, fine Scottish cheeses and moreish ‘good for you’ cakes – to name but a few. The real beauty of The Food Assembly for me is that I can pick up my goods straight after work, due to the allocated evening collection times, and don’t have to worry about having cash on me - or overspending – which keeps my budget in check. My purchases will have already been paid for so all I have to do is pop on by The Stirling Cycle Hub (right handy being beside Stirling train station) pick up my prepacked order and taste some free yummy samples from local producers, who may be showcasing from week to week, on my way out. This takes retail therapy to a whole new level!

Signing up is quick and easy to do and you don’t have to commit to a weekly, or even monthly order. As a Scottish Food Blogger and Real Food Educator the Stirling Food Assembly allows me to purchase local produce without the need to attend multiple markets (which are usually held during working hours) and also allows me to make a commitment to my customers that, wherever possible, produce used within CouthieCantie’s Cook Classes and Parties will be Scottish, and will be local. Something I feel very strongly about!

So join me in saying “Yes to Local” by signing up to show your support and interest in Stirling’s Food Assembly, today. You can find out more about the launch plans by following Forth Environment Link on Facebook and Twitter, as well as gaining useful hints and tips on what to ‘do’ with your locally grown produce by following CouthieCantie on social media too.

I look forward to seeing you at The Assembly!