Food for everyone in Coldside

A guest post by Jenni Christieson, Support Officer at the Maxwell Centre

Here at the Maxwell Centre, we strive to ensure that everyone has access to the food that they need. We have the Coldside Community Cupboard outside the centre on weekdays, which we fill with fresh produce from the garden, donations from the community and surplus food from local supermarkets and bakeries. Around a 100 people visit the cupboard each day. 

At Christmas, we don’t want to see anyone struggle for food or basic necessities. In 2019 we started our 5 Days of Christmas, giving out bags of Christmas veg and soup bags thanks to local growers as well as sweet treats.  

This year we are again providing the community with fresh produce and extras to see them through the Christmas period. Between the 14^th-18^th December we will be outside the centre handing out local veg, soup bags, toiletries, cleaning products and sweets along with some Christmas cheer! Any donations towards these are always gratefully received. 

We are not the only ones in Coldside hoping to brighten up the festive season for the community. Dundee United Community Trust are providing Christmas dinner for 140 people in Dundee through their annual Festive Friends. Closing date for referrals is 11^th December, just drop us a line if you or someone you know would like to take part. Tannadice are also running a Food larder on 28^th December between 12-2pm.

St Salvador’s Church have started up their weekly foodbank on Sundays afternoons between 1-2pm, and in the lead up to Christmas they will also be handing out a few treats. The Trussell Trust foodbank is also available, though by referral only, on weekdays. Jenni, the support worker at the Maxwell Centre, can make referrals and is available on 01382 802628. 

Here is a list of Dundee food projects that can provide you with food throughout Dundee. This is updated regularly by the Fairness Commission and Faith in the Community when informed by the projects. You can also check on this Grow Dundee map where your closest community garden or allotments are as these often have fresh food available.

The Hilltown Community Centre has recently started a food larder for the Coldside area. Opening each Monday and Friday from 12-3pm, you can get a bag or two of groceries for just £2. In the lead up to Christmas they will also be open on the 21^st, 22^nd and 23^rd December. 

Do not hesitate to get in touch if you need help or would like to offer help. You can contact us on 01382 802628 or info@maxdundee.org.uk.

We would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas!