Community / Northmavine bus stop buckets offering free food for those in need
WITH the cost of living remaining high, some residents of Northmavine have started a ‘spare and share’ scheme offering free food in bus stops.
Buckets of non-perishable food have been placed at the bus stops at Valladale, Hillswick and the Hillswick/Ollaberry junction, and it may expand elsewhere in the area.
People can take what they need, and folk are encouraged to donate items.
One of those behind the scheme is Hillswick resident Susan Bowie.
“This just came from the feeling that we can’t bear the thought of people going hungry,” she said.
“Bus stops seemed a good way of ensuring privacy and also availability to folk without their own transport.
“I think NCDC [Northmavine Community Development Company] will have a food fridge operating at Bruckland soon but this is something that can be available 24 hours and happen informally and quickly.
“I hope that it’s something people can do throughout Shetland – at the moment we have the boxes at the bus stops at Valladale, the Hillswick junction and Hillswick, and hoping to have other places locally too.
“People should take what they need, and I would urge folk to contribute any non-perishable items they can. Maybe one or two treats as well as the staples.”
With people’s bills rising a number of initiatives offering free food have launched across Shetland in recent months.
These include the council-run St Ringan’s hub in Lerwick, and a larder-style community fridge in the entrance to Scalloway Health Centre.
A new foodbank scheme has also opened in the Nesting, Girlsta and Wadbister area.
Become a supporter of Shetland News
Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.
Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.
Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has over 600 supporters who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.
Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -
- Bring you the headlines as they happen;
- Stay editorially independent;
- Give a voice to the community;
- Grow site traffic further;
- Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.
If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.
Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.