ALDI INVERNESS

About Rokzkool Academy Rokzkool Academy is a community-led micro charity based in the Highlands of Scotland, providing creative, educational and wellbeing support for children, young people and families. Through a blend of art, music, training and community activities, we create safe, inclusive spaces where people can connect, build confidence and feel supported. Working closely with local authorities, schools and partner organisations, we are well placed to identify individuals and families who are experiencing hardship and respond quickly with practical, compassionate support. Community Food Support (Neighbourly) Rokzkool Academy receives small ambient food donations through Neighbourly, which are used to support children and families within our local community who are in immediate need. Because of our close working relationships with local authorities and frontline services, we are able to identify genuine need quickly and distribute support effectively. All ambient food donations are typically distributed to individuals within one hour of receipt, ensuring timely assistance where it is most needed. This support is delivered across our three community venues: Phipps Hall, Beauly – holiday programmes and family support The Merkinch Hall – bingo sessions, lunch clubs, fundraising and social events Studio 58, Eastgate Centre – our creative hub and training base All volunteers and students involved in food handling renew their Food Hygiene Certification annually through our own in-house training platform at Studio 58. This ongoing training strengthens knowledge, understanding and best practice, ensuring food is handled and distributed safely and responsibly. Through Neighbourly support, Rokzkool Academy is able to reduce food insecurity, offer immediate practical help and continue providing welcoming community spaces where individuals and families feel valued and supported.

Cafe 1668 is a charity café, operated through Highland Third Sector Interface, any profits are reinvested to help those disadvantaged and vulnerable locally. We provide hot meals and drinks to those living on our streets and provide a weekly evening meal for anyone facing hardship. Training and Support With this initiative, our goal is to provide training and support for those who need a helping hand to get back on their feet. We believe that with support and access to the right resources, people can become empowered by their own abilities and gain the confidence to fulfil their potential. Vulnerable people who might otherwise struggle to get a job can become volunteers, help out in the kitchen and support with customer service. Donations We operate a pay it forward scheme and welcome any donations, including those of food from other businesses that might otherwise be wasted, either because too much was made or because it is nearing the end of its shelf life; we hope to help reduce food waste whilst helping those most in need. Ways that you can help to support us… • Make us your destination of choice for lunch/coffee • Use us to cater for your functions • Pay it forward • Volunteer for us • Like us on Facebook/share our page

We are building stronger communities and reducing social isolation through community dining. We empower volunteers to develop skills and create social change. Using surplus food, we teach people to make low-cost meals without having to buy expensive produce, or opt for a less healthy but cheaper alternative. We have extended the service to establish a drop-in centre serving coffee, tea and scones, and provide laptops so participants can access benefit & job websites. Each Tuesday, we will host a digital skills workshop with professional supervision. On Thursdays, we will run an arts & crafts workshop, enabling participants to build their confidence and alleviate feelings of isolation. The pilot schemes we ran were very successful and well-supported, creating opportunities for group participation and helping our service users to get to know new people.