A Highland foodbank has launched a reverse foodbank to encourage people to donate what is needed and some “extra treats” for local families.
Highland Foodbank, operated by Blythswood Care has launched the Reverse Advent Calendar to help those in need over the festive period.
Different items have been suggested for each day throughout November, with the idea being that people put the item in a box to donate to the foodbank the first week of December.
The foodbank, which is part of the Trussell Trust‘s UK-wide network, distributes food across the region and has already experienced a rise in referrals.
The team has been running the successful reverse advent calendar for a few years, aiming to distribute the items ahead of the festive period.
‘Not just operating week before Christmas’
Lorna Dempster, who oversees the operation at the Glebe Street premise in Inverness, said the decision to run the initiative throughout November means people can get the much-needed parcel before Christmas.
She said: “We’re not just operating the week before Christmas, we’re open 52 weeks a year, so obviously it would be good to add some extra treats in for the month of December for the people referred to us.”
The reverse advent calendar includes festive treats such as a selection box, a box of mince pies, and a bag of crisps, as well as necessities such as tinned and dried foods and toiletries.
There are also monetary donations to fund the foodbank van and help with the cost of deliveries.
Mrs Dempster said she is aware the price of food has soared recently and suggested people work together in groups to collect the items on the list.
She said: “I’m very aware and very conscious that it can be very costly for people wanting to help us.
“You can get together with a group of friends to do it, or an office, or a school class group – we don’t want people to feel burdened to do the whole calendar themselves.”
Knowing where to get help
As part of the Big Food Appeal, the Press and Journal and Evening Express have been working to highlight initiatives like the Reverse Advent Calendar.
We have been reporting on the cost-of-living crisis, threatening households right to the brink, while making sure those in our communities know where to get help when they need.
If you know of any initiatives going on in your community that we have not covered please let us know at livenews@ajl.co.uk
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