Ross-shire MSPs Kate Forbes and Maree Todd show support for Highland Food Bank amid Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic
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LOCKDOWN-driven closures of many drop-off points have hit donations to local food banks across the region, and two MSPs have encouraged people to make online donations to help out where they can.
Maree Todd and Kate Forbes, who share a constituency office in Dingwall, have highlighted how necessary lockdown restrictions have affected physical donations across the region.
And they have urged people to "lend a helping hand" in other ways through online donations.
Highlands & Islands MSP Maree Todd said: “Due to the current climate, many drop-off points for food bank donations, including our constituency office, have now closed. With limited availability of certain items and people making fewer trips to the supermarket, food banks have seen a decline in food donations.
“There are still ways to lend a helping hand though, and this can be done by making an online donation to the Highland Food Bank. No matter how big or small, this money will make a difference to the lives of those young and old who are experiencing food insecurity.
“I would like to send a huge thank you to all the volunteers who continue to devote their time to ensure the Highland Food Bank can continue supporting the most vulnerable.”
Kate Forbes, the MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch said: “I am immensely grateful to the Highland Food Bank for their continued efforts to ensure Highlanders who are in the greatest need still have access to food and basic essentials.
“Due to the lockdown restrictions, understandably a lot of donation points are currently closed – including our constituency office – but the need is still there, if not greater.
“It never ceases to amaze me how many people pop into our office each day to drop things off for the food bank collection point, so if folk feel able to donate online that would be great and much appreciated.”
In response to the pandemic, the Scottish Government has made £70 million available through the Food Fund. This aims to allow more community food projects to receive funding to provide emergency free meals to those most in need during the pandemic.
The Food Fund comprises £30 million for food deliveries for those in the ‘shielded groups’, a further £30 million has been allocated to councils for free school meals and food support for older people, those with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.
Some £10 million is for critical third sector and community response organisations, which includes funding to date of £500,000 apiece for Social Bite, FareShare and Cash for Kids.
Online donations to the Highland Food Bank can be made via www.blythswood.org/donate-to-foodbank.
