A community food bank has been launched in Tarbert to provide essentials for those in need. Based in the bus waiting area on Pier Road (next to the Essence of Harris shop) it will be stocked with a variety of long-life food produce and toiletries. Those who wish to use it will be able to help themselves at any point during opening hours.
The project launched on Monday with help from local children, who brought some food along to get the store started.
Members of the public are asked to donate tinned meat and fish, jars of curry and sauces and packets of rice and/pasta. Contributions of long life milk and dried goods such as teabags and cereal are welcome, as are toiletries and household cleaning materials. Supporters can take donations directly to the food bank, or drop them at the Volunteer Centre/HVS office in Room 12, the Old School, Tarbert.
The food bank is a joint initiative from the Harris Forum, Volunteer Centre Western Isles and North Harris Community Council. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar gave permission for the site to be used and shelving was donated by the North Harris Trust.
While the extent of the need for this service in north Harris is not yet known, there is evidence that food insecurity is growing across the islands. The Government’s Scottish Islands Survey (2023) found that 23 per cent of respondents were concerned about how they would pay for groceries in the coming months, with 3 per cent using a food bank or other food support system.
Eva Kreileder, Harris Forum’s Development Officer, said: “It’s such a fantastic opportunity to trial the foodbank at the local bus stop in Tarbert. It’s anonymous and accessible most days of the week. There are people among us who can’t feed themselves and we hope we can reach a lot of them with this foodbank. Please feel free to help yourself. If you are a visitor or local please feel free to donate, swap or use any of those products provided.“
Discussions are underway about a similar project in Leverburgh.
For more information contact: eva@harris-forum.co.uk, or harris@volunteercentrewi.org
Bus waiting area/Food Bank area opening times: Mon-Fri 8.30am to 7.30pm, Sat 8.30am to 8pm
