ALDI INVERURIE

This food bank has been set up as a temporary one in our village of Kemnay. This is to help folk that are struggling due to Covid-19. We are running under the community council.

We provide catering training, employment experience and employment placements to over 20 adults with learning disabilities. Each trainee is provided with a personalised training programme which leads to a Fly Cup Catering Certificate. Many trainees are able to work towards completing food and hospitality NVQ units. Trainees gain work experience by helping to run the Fly Cup Coffee shop at Burghmuir Circle, Inverurie. The trainees are also involved in the delivery of outside catering services, and the production of bakery goods which we supply to local shops and businesses. We work closely with other catering establishments in the area in the development of temporary work placements for the trainees.

I coordinate the collection and redistribution of surplus stock to sheltered housing residents, ensuring that good-quality food and essential items reach elderly and disabled individuals who benefit most from reduced living costs. By alleviating the financial pressure associated with everyday groceries, this initiative helps residents retain more of their income, directly enhancing their quality of life and overall wellbeing. Beyond the practical support, the programme has played a meaningful role in strengthening community cohesion within housing complexes. Regular redistribution efforts have supported resident-led activities such as coffee mornings, enabling groups to come together, socialise, and collectively raise funds for outings and shared experiences. Donations have also contributed to the improvement of communal outdoor spaces, with residents using supplied plants and materials to beautify their environment. As a result, the initiative has fostered a strong sense of community spirit, pride, and mutual support among residents.