800 lunches provided in first two months at new project run by Inverness Foodstuff
More than 800 lunches have been provided in the first two months at a new Inverness venture tackling food poverty and social isolation.
Inverness Foodstuff, which provides food, friendship and support for those facing significant challenges including financial hardship and homelessness, has expanded its work to include Hilton.
In addition to providing three-course lunches three days a week at a community-run cafe at Ness Bank Church, the project has been working in partnership with High Life Highland to provide lunches at Hilton Community Centre two days a week since September.
The expansion was made possible after Inverness Foodstuff was awarded £72,000 over three years from the Scottish Government’s Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund.
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The Hilton project, which will be officially opened today, has so far provided more than 800 two-course lunches on Wednesdays and Fridays between noon and 2pm.
It also provides people with a chance to meet and chat.
Chairman of Inverness Foodstuff, Stuart Black, said the project was delighted to offer a hot meal two days a week in Hilton in addition to the lunches and breakfasts offered at Ness Bank Church three days per week.
"We know social isolation and loneliness can affect anyone, but especially those affected by the cost-of-living crisis," he said.
"The cost-of-living crisis has taken its toll, particularly on low-income households who have seen their financial circumstances and their wellbeing deteriorate."
Steve Walsh, High Life Highland’s chief executive, said: "As a trustee of Inverness Foodstuff, I have witnessed at first hand the positive difference that provision of a hot meal and lifeline service can make to make life better in our communities.
"We are delighted to partner with such a great organisation as they expand to Hilton Community Centre from their base at Ness Bank Church to support hard-pressed families in the Hilton area."
Equalities Minister Emma Roddick visited Inverness Foodstuff's Ness Bank Church cafe in the summer when she announced it was among more than 50 projects to receive a share from the government's £3.2 million Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund which will run for the next three years.
She was previously a volunteer with Inverness Foodstuff, helping to deliver meals during the coronavirus pandemic.
"Social isolation and loneliness can impact anyone, but especially those facing additional pressures during the cost-of-living crisis including disabled people, those over 75 and people living in areas of deprivation or on a low income," she said.
"The Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund is providing support to a range of projects including Inverness Foodstuff, who deliver a vital service to homeless and vulnerable people in their community.
"Their work, backed by Scottish Government funding, is bringing more people together, creating stronger social connections and improving public health."
