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New dedicated foodbank up and running for Badenoch and Strathspey


By Tom Ramage

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HUB CLUB: The Foodbank Hub volunteers braved the weather for a photo op in Aviemore this week as they prepared to help locals in need.
HUB CLUB: The Foodbank Hub volunteers braved the weather for a photo op in Aviemore this week as they prepared to help locals in need.

A new, independently-run service 'tailored to the specific needs of those in need across Badenoch and Strathspey' has been launched.

The move comes after local unspecified differences with the Trussell Trust.

Strath-wide volunteers are now focussing specifically on the ongoing challenge of food poverty through the new dedicated locally-run initiative called the Badenoch and Strathspey Food Hub.

It will be the central point for all food hub activities, operating from a base in Aviemore but delivering across the area with stores of food held in local villages.

There are close links to local organisations, churches and existing community food tables in Grantown, Kingussie and Aviemore.

A collection and delivery service will be provided working with Badenoch and Sthrathspey Community Transport Company and the Rotary Club of Spey Valley.

Donations will be gratefully received at St. Andrews Church Hall on Fridays between 11am and 1pm and by the community transport team.

The hub team did not wish to go into the precise reasons for the split with the Trussell Trust, preferring to look to the future, but the Strathy understands the main sticking points involved transportation links and associations with other charities.

Treasurer Gavin Stewart confirmed that pick up of donations would be possible: "Anyone who wants to help can contact us directly by calling 07393718320 or emailing info@bsfoodhub.org.uk – or visit our website at www.bsfoodhub.org.uk or find us on social media.

"Any organisation who would like to make a referral to the hub should contact us directly. We're here to help build food resiliency and address food poverty, working closely with a wide range of organisations and community groups, including Highland Council, to ensure no-one is left hungry in the area.”

Local council area committee chairman Bill Lobban told the Strathy: “Highland Council has always supported the foodbank in any way we can and will continue to do so now that they are operating independently.

"While the tremendous work they do has to be applauded the simple fact that they have to be there is a national disgrace. In one of the richest countries in the world no one in this country should have to rely on handouts from a foodbank but thankfully they are there to make sure none of our vulnerable residents go hungry.”

Maggie Lawson, project development manager for BSCTC said: “Many in this area are already struggling and we feel that access to food is something that should not come with any further financial burden or social stigma attached. We are delighted to be part of this initiative and hope that we can help as many people as possible throughout the area.

"Food delivery should be easy and stress free for those who need it”.

President of Rotary Club of Spey Valley Ronnie Dunn said: “We have supported the fight against food poverty here for many years and look forward to being actively involved with the Food Hub.”

Efforts are already under way to organise the now traditional delivery of Christmas Bags to lend seasonal cheer.

Jaci Douglas, chair of the new group, said: "Hundreds of the special holiday bags have been distributed in past four years and the numbers nominated are increasing annually. We believe that the need will continue to rise especially this year, with the ongoing effects of the pandemic and we would like to urge any organisation, school or local group to get in touch with details of those who might benefit this year, even on an anonymous basis.

"There is a specific list of the treats which we are looking for to fill these special deliveries on our website."


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