Ross County FC's Global Energy Stadium in Dingwall set to host 'community kitchen' in cost of living crisis

A FOOTBALL stadium in Ross-shire is set to host a "community kitchen" aimed at helping tackle the cost of living crisis and providing a warm space for needy locals.

The Global Energy Stadium, home of Ross County Football Club, is set to become a key community hub in the new year, anticipating the fallout from the escalating cost of living crisis.

The Ross County Foundation has received funding of £6020 from Highland Council's Cost of Living Fund which will be used to help fund the project.

The funding will be used to create the Dingwall Community Kitchen, seen as the first step that will help the foundation in making the Global Energy Stadium a community hub in challenging and uncertain times.

Starting in January 2023, the Dingwall Community Kitchen will be open one afternoon per week within the Staggies Bar at the stadium to provide a hot meal to those who need warmth, company and food.

The food service will be free, the Foundation says, "and we encourage those across Dingwall and surrounding towns and villages such as Muir of Ord, Conon Bridge, Maryburgh, Alness, Invergordon and other areas to use this service at your leisure".

It is seen now as more important than ever to provide a space to reduce isolation, provide a warm, comforting environment and a good hot meal.

Foundation manager, Dale Pryde-MacDonald, said, “Firstly we have to give a massive vote of thanks to the Highland Council for seeing the value in what we are trying to do. We know how tight funds are at the moment so to receive this award is fantastic and will hopefully enable us to help people right across our local area.

“We are proud of our work in the community, and this is something that we were keen to follow up on after our extensive work during Covid in meal provision and service support. Hopefully people will see this as a fantastic opportunity to come along, be surrounded by others and make key friendships at the same time as ensuring they receive a hot meal in a warm space.

“Right now it is once a week, but hopefully even one afternoon will give people the confidence, encouragement and support they need during these exceedingly difficult times.”

The Dingwall Community Kitchen will start in January and run until June at the Global Energy Stadium with more details being released in the coming weeks.

There will also be a range of other service providers on hand for people to talk to around energy provision, mental health and nutrition.

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