Donations appeal as Dingwall food share point goes from strength to strength during coronavirus crisis
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A ROSS-SHIRE initiative set up to help feed locals who might otherwise go hungry during the coronavirus lockdown looks set to inspire a lasting legacy.
A food share point set up in Dingwall has provided the catalyst for the community to rally round those in greatest need while dramatically reducing waste at the same time.
A crowdfunding drive to help top up essential supplies is well on the way to reaching its initial £1000 target with staff at Dingwall Academy chipping in voluntarily to help run the online appeal.
Hopes are high the spontaneously organised project will spawn a longer "community fridge" similar to one already proving its worth during the public health crisis in Muir of Ord.
The Food Share Point is open from 2pm to 4pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays in Dingwall Scout Hall on Craig Road.
It essentially works to distribute food and supermarket fare which would otherwise go out of date.
The crowdfunding web page set up for cash donations will help the group buy further food and personal care items for people suffering hardship.
It is an excellent example, along with others, of our community coming together to support the most needy in society
Cllr Graham Mackenzie
Dingwall Community Council has got behind the scheme, thanking locals for support and Tesco and Lidl for donating short-dated fresh and baked goods. It highlgihts a desperate need for store cupboard and personal care items. It said: "Please consider making a small donation to help local people who are struggling."
One of the organisers, Andrew Smith, said that up to 20 families are being helped per session. He said: "With social distancing we have one person in at a time. Some people have said they wouldn't be eating if it wasn't for what has been donated. Others haven't seen anyone else all day so there's a social support side to this as well. We do see it more as a food share – it's using food that would otherwise be going out of date and not getting used and so is environmentally friendly. There's also the social aspect of sharing.
"With donations of money we have been able to get household staples such as pasta and rice. One of the most popular items has been 'soup kits' to make lentil soup – basically lentils, carrots and onions. Nothing has been going to waste. In the early days we had a glut of bread. We took what wasn't used and went out of date to Docharty Farm where it was fed to the pigs. In return the farmer Gary Campbell donated some sacks of potatoes, which was really helpful."
They have tried to meet a demand for pet food too as household budgets get stretched.
Ross County Football Club has helped to deliver some food.
Mr Smith said the idea of a community fridge would be a nice lasting legacy when the project closes.
Kate Forbes MSP said: “I am immensely proud of those who have set up the food share point as this will provide invaluable assistance at what is a challenging time for so many local people. Getting this sort of initiative started always requires significant effort, and I am sure that many will share my gratitude.It’s great that the local supermarkets are playing their part too, as this will reduce food waste. If anyone can help out with donations – either on or offline – that would be super."
Local councillor Graham Mackenzie hailed the "fantastic initiative" adding: "I have been very happy to support it. It is an excellent example, along with others, of our community coming together to support the most needy in society. I wish to pay tribute not only to the organisers but to the many people who have made the donations required to make this a success."
He noted that community resilience grants are available through the Highland Council ward discretionary fund.
To visit the Crowdfunder page go to www.crowdfunder.co.uk and search for Food Share Point Dingwall or go to https://tinyurl.com/y9ocpvm2
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