HUNDREDS of people have signed up to an online farmers’ market in Balfron.

Balfron NeighbourFood launched at the end of last month with nearly 300 signing up to the service, which allows locals to shop online of seasonal produce from local farmers.

Collections are held every Thursday night at Balfron High School with social enterprise The Hub G63 hosting the market.

Ruth Glasgow, from The Bub G63, said: “It was great to get all our producers together and we were delighted at the level of interest and enthusiasm from everyone who came to meet them and find out more about the NeighbourFood concept.

“It was a clear demonstration of the strong sense of community that we have in our local area.

“We believe that we’re reaching a turning point in the way people view food.

“There’s been a lot of media coverage recently about the many ways in which the food system affects all of our lives and the planet we live on, and people are responding to that.

“Given the choice, people want to buy food that supports local producers, that is nutritious and that doesn’t damage the environment. And that’s what NeighbourFood is all about.”

Green MSP Mark Ruskell was also at the launch to find out more.

He said: “These types of food buying groups are popping up across my region and they reflect a real desire from communities to connect with where their food comes from.

“We are spoiled with a wealth of fantastic food producers in Stirling, but their produce isn’t always accessible or affordable for everyone.

“By cutting out the middle-man and working as a community in a food buying group like Neighbourfood, people can be confident their money is supporting local producers and benefiting the area.”

The launch of the market follows on from Stirling NeighbourFood, run by Forth Environment Link, which has sold around 6,000 baskets of produce to date.