Pandemic has led to increased hardship as well as unemployment

Increasing levels of poverty has led a food charity to enlist a new development worker to cope with demand.

North of Scotland-based Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE) is recruiting for the new post to support the expansion of the FareShare network across the Highlands, Western Isles, Orkney and Shetland.

FareShare Scotland, which is operated by CFINE in the north of Scotland, launched its food provision programme in the Highlands and Islands in 2019. During June 2020 alone, the charity delivered 45.9 tonnes of food, equivalent to over 109,000 meals to charities and community organisations in the areas.

As part of the Scottish Government Fair Food Fund, FareShare Scotland has received over £2m to purchase food stocks due to increased demand during the COVID-19 crisis. The food is delivered to Community Food Members of the FareShare network, maintaining emergency food provision for individuals and families facing hardship.

FareShare Scotland works closely in partnership with local authorities, charities and community organisations across the North of Scotland to ensure that no one has to go without.

Graeme Robbie, FareShare Scotland Manager at CFINE, said: “FareShare Scotland is delighted to announce the plans for expansion across the Highlands and Islands. We support thousands of vulnerable individuals and families access food each week through our Community Food Network, and this is something we are aiming to build on.

“The North of Scotland Development Worker will play a key role at recruiting and supporting charities and community groups that will enable us to distribute over 370,000 additional meals to vulnerable individuals and families in the area.”