A charity set up to provide families in need with warm meals is embracing the season of goodwill through the distribution of Christmas hampers in addition to their traditional food parcels.
Food for Families, a venture launched by Inverness businessman David Sutherland and his wife Anne, is celebrating its ninth year in operation.
Over 23,500 meals have been delivered since its formation and the charity estimates around 3,000 further meals will be distributed before mid-January.
Mr and Mrs Sutherland are continuing their tradition of providing meat for the meals, while local restaurant owner Catriona Cameron – who has also been involved since the early days – will again provide fresh produce for the meals, alongside food wholesaler Williamson.
Mr Sutherland said: “Food for Families is an idea that has grown massively over a period when the number of families in poverty in the Inverness area has expanded beyond expectations.
“It is a pity there is now such demand from families in need.
“Cooking and distributing warming food to people in the middle of winter is a real challenge, but our wonderful volunteers have considered it a privilege.”
Alongside the distribution of food hampers, local businesses also donate items such as toothpaste, shampoo and soap to make up additional toiletry hampers.
Alex Gilchrist, general manager of Gateway, who oversees the project, said families were “immensely grateful”.
“We’re reaching families who have been identified as being in genuine need and those who help consider their efforts tremendously worthwhile.”
Over the course of the next few days, in excess of 700 cooked meals will be delivered to families alongside around 50 food and toiletry hampers.
Despite its success, Food for Families is still seeking volunteers to aid its work and meet growing demand for its services.
Donations of dry foods and toiletries are also being sought.
