Village Kitchen has continued its Forth Valley College partnership for three consecutive years to offer a free lunch for beneficiaries while local students benefit from hospitality training.
Beneficiaries of Lunch Club travelled together on an organisated bus on Friday 20th March 2026 – all arranged by Village Kitchen staff and volunteers – to Forth Valley College’s The Gallery restaurant in Stirling. From there, they got to sit down to a lunch service handled exclusively by local high school students completing a hospitality module at the college. The lunch included a high tea of hot pies followed by eton mess.
This free lunch enables students to develop their hospitality skills, while, in turn, ensuring that older people at risk of social isolation and loneliness get access to high quality, nutritious food. An opportunity like this also gives them choice and a chance to try different food and cuisines they otherwise wouldn’t. Importantly, it means they can socialise and meet new people, which is a vital aspect of Village Kitchen.
Alexandra Ostroumoff-Croucher, CEO and Founding Director of Village Kitchen, said:
“We want to support communities across Forth Valley to access quality, nutritious food. We’re delighted to partner with Forth Valley College to ensure that happens.“Community is very important to us, it’s in our DNA. It’s exciting that we can also give back and help hospitality students increase their skills with a room full of guests who are regulars at Village Kitchen.
“This is the third year and every year the sun is shining outside. Spirits are always high, both for our guests and the students.
“It’s another example of terrific partnership working that brings the community together.”
