Inverness Foodbank is launching a home delivery service to provide relief to vulnerable Highland people.
Residents from Tain to Nairn and Badenoch and Strathspey will benefit from the scheme as demand for food parcels across the north continues to rise.
The introduction of the services was made possible following an £8,000 donation from construction firm Tulloch Homes – which has currently paused its own work due to government advice.
Foodbank manager Lorna Dempster said: “This is simply fantastic. I was overwhelmed when I received the phone call. It was such a huge relief.
“Tulloch Homes may have their own issues in the present situation, but it is wonderful that they have taken the time to think about helping the most needy people in our communities.
“This will enable us to launch a delivery service to those who have no food and no money for food – and there are plenty of those in our area. We’ll also be able to make bulk purchases of food from wholesalers when our current stocks inevitably dwindle in the present crisis.”
The north’s largest house builder will donate £1,000 a week to the charity for the next two months to provide relief to those in need.
Staff from Blythswood Care’s main depot in Evanton are being drafted in to help deliver the packages.
George Fraser, chief executive of Tulloch Homes, said: “We felt it was important that we do something to show our support for the communities of the area. There are many groups doing sterling work just now but Inverness Foodbank is the one of greatest value to those already in financial crisis.
“Being able to help them to introduce a much-needed delivery service is a valuable outcome from our weekly cash injection throughout April and May.”
Meanwhile, staff from community group What’s Happening Inverness have also begun assembling and distributing grocery hampers to provide “love and care” to residents.