Life can take a sudden turn, leaving even the most prepared among us struggling to make ends meet.
Whether it’s the loss of a loved one, redundancy, illness, or unexpected bills, the reality is that more people in Orkney are facing financial hardship than ever before.
It might seem unimaginable in such a close-knit community, but 2,000 people in Orkney live below the poverty line, and many are forced to make impossible choices between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
The Orkney Foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust, has been a vital safety net since 2013, offering lifelines to families and individuals in need.
In 2023/24 alone, the foodbank provided parcels to feed 1,761 people, including 642 children, with nearly 888 of them citing the rising cost of essentials as their reason for seeking help.
Alan Scott, Manager of Orkney Foodbank, credits the community’s generosity for keeping the service running, with donations of food, toiletries, and other essentials flowing in from individuals, groups, and businesses alike.
The foodbank provides three-day emergency food parcels to those referred by one of 54 partner agencies, including Citizens Advice, GPs, health visitors, and social workers.
For families struggling during school holidays, the foodbank also offers Child Holiday Meals – boxes of non-perishable items designed to stretch the store cupboard further.
“We can reach every corner of Orkney, including the isles,” says Alan Scott.
“No one should think location is a barrier to getting help.”
As demand has grown, the foodbank now employs two part-time staff alongside its dedicated volunteers, ensuring they can meet the increasing need.
Donation points are set up at Tesco, Co-op stores, Asda in Dounby, and at Dunkirk on Shore Street in Kirkwall, where items can be dropped off on Tuesdays and Fridays between 12-2 pm.
Right now, the foodbank particularly needs UHT milk, fruit juice, tinned fruit, savoury biscuits, deodorant, razors, soup, jam, coffee, tea, and Christmas goodies – but nothing containing alcohol.
The Orkney Foodbank stands as a testament to community spirit, ensuring no one has to face hunger alone.
For those in need, or those who know someone who might be, referrals can be arranged via local agencies, or by contacting the foodbank directly at info@orkney.foodbank.org.uk or 01856 873685.
No one should have to choose between heating and eating – and thanks to the kindness of Orkney’s people, fewer will have to.
