Inverness Foodstuff launches telephone helpline for financially vulnerable due to the coronavirus lockdown so they can access a hot meal five days a week
An Inverness-based charity has set up a dedicated phone line to help those who are experiencing financial vulnerability due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Inverness Foodstuff has provided 6885 meals to people who are homeless, vulnerable, or financially disadvantaged since it closed its café service on March 12 because of the virus.
It is based at Ness Bank Church and aims to help those who are vulnerable to access a hot meal five days per week with dignity.
As the lockdown progresses it is seeing a sharp increase in a different type of need and in response has launched a new helpline.
Rev Fiona Smith, the charity's chairwoman, said: "We have an amazing team of volunteers who have risen to this challenge wonderfully and without whom we simply could not do what we do.
"Ness Bank Church’s kitchen and hall are so spacious that we have been able to be fully compliant with the Covid rules to ensure the safety of everyone.
"It is a military operation running this and amazingly the food being served is still so brilliant. We are also indebted to the support we receive from local supermarkets through our partnership with Fairshare and Neighbourly, as well as with local retailers, like Swansons.
"We are also so thankful for the Covid grants we have received from, amongst others HIE, Crisis, the National Lottery, five local ward discretionary funds, and individual donors."
Inverness Foodstuff has a working partnership with Acts of Kindness Inverness and In This Together Café in Church Street, and together they work to ensure that those in need of food are given the right support.
June MacLeod, Inverness Foodstuff’s operations manager, said: "But what we are now seeing is a sharp increase in a different kind of need, such as those who have lost their jobs or those who are new benefit claimants as well as those who are struggling financially due to an increase in utility bills as a result of being at home more. This includes families with children.
"The trained volunteer call handlers will ask a series of questions to allow us to understand the caller's situation and make sure we provide the best service possible.
"Should the caller qualify, they would be given a dedicated time to collect their food from Inverness Foodstuff at Ness Bank Church, or if they are unable to leave the house because they are shielding, for example, a delivery will be arranged."
However, should Inverness Foodstuff not be the most appropriate service, they will be advised to contact Highland Council's helpline on 0300 3031362 where they would be given other suitable options for help and support.
The dedicated phone number for Inverness Foodstuff is 07552 303056 and is open Monday to Friday, from 10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm.
