Inverness churches distribute food to more than 200 households in need
Three Inverness churches have joined forces to provide support to many of those in need across the city.
Food for more than 200 local families and individuals who are finding times hard has been collected by local churches.
The Barn, Kings and Smithton churches in Inverness worked together to buy vital foodstuffs with local branches of Tesco, Morrisons and Spar, as well as the FarseShare charity, also doing their bit.
The churches have provided similar help annually for a number of years now, but Lorna Mason, Session Clerk at The Barn Church in Culloden, said the way support was offered by the supermarkets this year suggested help was needed more than ever before.
"We get in touch with social work teams, Women's Aid and schools and the like and ask them to identify anyone they think is in need of a bit of extra help and we haven't noticed much of an increase on that side of things this year," she said.
"However in previous years, when we have asked for help, the supermarkets and FairShare have given us pallets of food.
"This year, though, they didn't have anything like that and while they were able to give some food they also donated vouchers, which suggests to us that there are so many people in need of help this year that they have had to spread out the help they can give that bit further.
"We were delighted to be able to fill 200 hampers and most of them are en route to their recipients if not already there.
"Under the current climate I think this is a wonderful result and we hope will make a big difference to many families.
"This is a special time of the year and we were happy to share God’s love in a practical way.
"We would like to say a big thank you to Tesco branches at Inshes and the retail park for their help as well as Inverness Morrisons and Spar, plus FareShare."
She added: "I certainly think that after Christmas, that's when we're going to see more people in even greater need of support."
A number of churches across Inverness are already offering extra help that is likely to continue into the new year including offering premises as warm hubs and providing regular lunches.
Along with the food the hampers that have gone out from the churches to those in need also contain details of the extra support available.