Highland Council’s Welfare team supports Skye and Lochalsh foodbank

The Highland Council’s Welfare Team have been working closely with the Skye and Lochalsh foodbank to provide vital support to people in the local community.

The team made contact with Skye and Lochalsh Foodbank in early August and provided an initial supply of 400 food packages which was split between the Portree and Broadford foodbank locations. Since then close liaison with the foodbank organisers and those behind the community fridge projects in Broadford, Strath and Trotternish has been continuing.

The work is being supported by donations of food from local supermarkets and other organisations including the growing of community food patches.

Last week the council arranged for three vans to travel to Skye to deliver a further 500 food packages and also a large quantity of stock.

The Council’s Head of Revenues and Business Support, Sheila McKandie said: “Huge concerns exist that at the end of furlough and also the closing down of the tourist season, the west coast and Skye will experience a significant increase in unemployment and this could lead to more families struggling to get by.

“To support the fantastic work being undertaken in the communities we have offered to provide a further significant supply of food for the foodbanks, outreach centres, community fridges and also help support the resilience cooking initiative which will help the most vulnerable households. Our Welfare Support Team are also highlighting information on the Scottish Welfare Fund and are providing advice and support to help maximise household incomes. Community groups and individual households across the Highland Council area seeking assistance with food support, should call our helpline on so that the appropriate support may be arranged.”