A FULL larder will be waiting for Alva people in need when it opens for the school holidays this Friday.

Members of Alva Parish Church were "blown away" by the generosity of residents when they held a food drive earlier this month in a bid to set a larder up for villagers in need.

Numerous items were collected for the project with a food larder fully stocked to help families in crisis while schools are off.

The church's Hannah Ford said: "We are aware that the school holiday is a hard time for many families and a small group of us took the initiative to do whatever we can to help those in crisis.

"This meant we were all very rushed but we feel so passionate about it that it just seems to have happened.

"When we proposed it to our church we were completely supported and so many people came forward.

"Members of the community were so generous too.

"I think it's heart-warming to see how much good there is in the world.

"People are eager to help, but they don't know how.

"It just takes a small group of people to take the lead – I never would have imagined I'd find myself doing this but it's all just kind of happened."

Alva Food Larder at the church will open on Friday, July 1, from 12noon to 3pm.

It will then be open each Friday over the school holidays with a discrete and friendly drop-in with no personal or awkward questions asked.

The project will provide free emergency food and essentials to those who are in crisis and are unable to afford the basics.

Previously and during the pandemic, Alva Development Trust had been providing a foodbank service, it is understood the organisation has returned to providing emergency food parcels through referrals while working with various partners such as Clacks CAB to provide advice to residents.

At the church, there are hopes to do more than just provide food.

Hannah added: "Alva Parish Church has always been keen to reach the community and welcome them in.

"We want to play an active role in the lives of the people here. Our door is open and we want people to feel welcome to use it.

"The food larder aims to partner with other groups and networks and churches in Clackmannanshire to ensure the foodbank is not just a sticky plaster or and end result for people.

"It's important that we provide a stepping stone to help people as part of a longer pathway by being a source of information and support to access other services we hope to help people to recover their lives with dignity."

While the initial food drive was a success, more child-friendly will be needed over the coming weeks.

The church is appealing for diluting juice, children's biscuit packs and treats, long life flavoured milk, baby food pouches, cereal bars, cereal bars and more.