ALDI INVERNESS

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

Inverness Foodstuff’s mission is to support people who are homeless or vulnerable, tackle social isolation, challenge food poverty, combat food waste, reduce harm, and enable people to improve their health and wellbeing. We do this by providing nutritious, three-course vegetarian lunches three days a week at our café with a difference, based at Ness Bank Church in Inverness. Our lunches are prepared predominantly using donated surplus food from local supermarkets e.g. three mornings each week, our wonderful volunteer driver, John, collects surplus fruit, vegetables, bread and other food from Lidl in Inverness. Our cook and volunteers then transform these ingredients into nutritious and delicious three-course vegetarian meals. Because we never know what surplus food will be available each day, our cooks are often faced with a creative challenge when deciding what to prepare. They always rise to the occasion! For example, surplus turnips and mangoes were once transformed into a turnip, mango and sweet chilli soup – which was delicious! Inverness Foodstuff also provides lunches two days a week at Hilton Community Centre. This project aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness, while also addressing food poverty. Across our two locations, Inverness Foodstuff provides an average of 1,300 three-course lunches every month to approximately 300 to 400 people. We are supported by 82 wonderful volunteers, who contribute an average of 950 hours every month and play an essential role in every aspect of our operations. While it all starts with food, Inverness Foodstuff is much more than just a meal! We offer practical support to people who are homeless or vulnerable, including clothing and shoes, haircuts, tents, sleeping bags and pods, shower and laundry vouchers, food to take away etc. Through our partnership work, we also provide access to a range of essential services on site e.g. the homeless healthcare team, money and debt advice etc. Many of the people who use our services are living in temporary homeless accommodation, predominantly houses of multiple occupation (HMOs) with shared or limited facilities. Others may be sofa surfing, sleeping rough, or be at risk of homelessness. Often shunned by society many have experienced significant disadvantage and social exclusion and are living in poverty, often alongside additional challenges such as substance use, poor mental or physical health, disability, or a combination of these factors. At the heart of everything we do is the belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity, compassion and respect. Inverness Foodstuff provides safe, welcoming and non-judgemental spaces where everyone is accepted, listened to and valued. Our aim is not only to provide food, but to create a place where people feel safe, respected and connected – a place where they can begin to rebuild their health, wellbeing and sense of belonging

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.