Lochaber Foodbank makes the break and goes it alone

At the start of this month, after seven years with the Trussell Trust, the trustees of Lochaber Foodbank decided it was time for the local organisation to go it alone, writes Mark Entwistle.

This was due to an increasing administrative burden coupled with the attendant spiralling costs, with trustees feeling they would be better concentrating resources on supporting those in need in Lochaber.

A spokesperson for the Fort William-headquartered food bank explained: ‘We are grateful for the support and guidance we have enjoyed from such a worthwhile charity as the Trussell Trust, and through it, Tesco supermarkets, but we feel that operating independently will allow us to explore new avenues unhindered by bureaucratic constraints while retaining locally a relationship with Tesco.

‘Lochaber Foodbank has been fortunate to enjoy the assistance of businesses, churches, third sector organisations, volunteers and, most importantly, so many ordinary people in Lochaber who have donated food and gifted cash to ensure that we are able to provide a free service to those in need in our community.

‘Our level of service won’t change; we have sufficient resources to continue to provide for those referred by the various agencies. Nothing has changed for recipients and we will be open Monday, Wednesday and Friday noon till 2pm to help and assist.

‘Already we have seen Morrisons launch a promotion to support us which we are extremely grateful for and look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with them, and we earnestly hope that others will follow suit.

‘We would particularly like to explore how we could work with others in the retail sector for mutual benefit. The current coronavirus pandemic puts so much strain on household budgets and some of our regular sources have temporarily dried up, but we hope that the generous people of Lochaber will continue to give to support our neighbours during this difficult time.’

Lochaber Foodbank was the recipient recently of a generous donation of £1,595.28 from Liam and Marianne FraserStewart, in Spean Bridge, who sang and played music to their neighbours and live streamed the event on Facebook.

Lochaber Foodbank commented: ‘The donations were from so many generous and kind individuals to help those in need in such difficult times. They are such a talented musical couple and we feel they are an inspiration to us all.’