Charity food hub aims to help hundreds in need across the Highlands
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Hundreds of individuals and families in need are being helped by a new food hub based in Inverness.
Charity and social enterprise, New Start Highland, has launched the service in response to hardship being experienced by people due to the coronavirus pandemic.
It has been awarded £55,000 by the Scottish Government’s wellbeing fund set up to help voluntary groups providing crucial services.
New Start Highland is supplying about 40 community groups and social ventures with vital food supplies, as well as prepaid energy keys and phone cards, for local distribution.
Chief executive James Dunbar said in the last two weeks alone there had been requests to provide food for 1400 people.
“The pandemic has not affected everyone equally,” he said. “While it has changed life for everyone, those who have the least are typically those who are affected by it the most.
“We have been supplying food for over 10 years and, as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, we have worked hard to extend our offering with the food hub to ensure that those experiencing hardship – within our existing client base and the wider community – receive the right support at the right time.”
The service is receiving food donations from supermarkets and other food suppliers.
Mr Dunbar also invited members of the public and other businesses to support the initiative by donating non-perishable food items to its warehouse in Carsegate Road North.
It is also accepting donations online at justgiving.com/campaign/newstarthighlandfoodhub.
“With local support, New Start Highland will be able to make its initial seed funding go further for longer and support more people through this period of unprecedented need,” he said.
Highland MSP Kate Forbes also urged people to help.
“New Start Highland have long played a critical role in supporting families and individuals in the Highlands,” she said.
“It is clearly evident that the economic impact of coronavirus is significant, and leaving many people with nowhere else to turn.”
To request supplies, apply for support or for more information, community groups should email FoodHub@newstarthighland.org
