Highland’s Inverness & Nairn Foodbank is busiest in Britain

Some may claim the title as the country’s busiest food bank would be a tale of desperation. We feel though that the sheer amount of food that is distributed through the Inverness food bank is a testament to the incredible dedication of volunteers and the organisations that participate in the effort.

The Inverness and Nairn foodbank is the busiest location that operates within the Blythswood Care charity. Blythswood Care is the operator of Highland Foodbank. This is the local representative of the national Trussell Trust network.

Several volunteers (10 currently) deliver well over 3,000 parcels of food annually. Each parcel is sufficient to cover the nonperishable food needs for a household for three days.

Some of the trends across the UK are also found in Highland. People are having to choose which bills to pay and which to cut. Often times this means doing without heat so the family can eat.

While there are ways to help with heat, Highland Foodbank focuses just on the food. It is a very simple message. By relying on the donations distributed locally, a family can save a few pounds to put towards energy bills or rent. When there is no extra money to spare, something as small as this can make the difference for a family living on the brink of financial disaster.

Food comes from a variety of sources. Local businesses and housing associations have operated food drives in the past. Many private citizens make donations as a part of community promotions. Even churches can get involved.

Anyone who thinks they could benefit from a food donation may contact the Highland Foodbank by calling 01349 830777. A volunteer can explain the referral process to obtain a food parcel. These are the current locations.

• Alness: Milnafua Hall, Milnafua (Alness & Invergordon Foodbank)
• Aviemore: St Andrews Church, Grampian Road (Badenoch & Strathspey Foodbank)
• Dingwall: Dingwall Free Church Hall, High Street
• Kyle: Lighthouse Christian Centre, 5 Station Road (South Skye & Lochalsh Foodbank)
• Inverness: Free Church Hall, Madras Street (Inverness & Nairn Foodbank)
• Nairn: St Mary’s Church, 7 Academy Street (Inverness & Nairn Foodbank, call 07875 332696)
• Thurso: 13 Princes Street

Getting short term aid like a food parcel may seem like a small gesture, but it sure can come in handy. This is especially true a couple of days before payday. The volunteers are happy to lend a hand, especially when it means eliminating family hunger.