Backing for pilot scheme to stave off hunger

Volunteers from Coatbridge foodbank praised the prospect of the new scheme and said it will help to address the issue of “holiday hunger” which they witness at their Coatbank Street base.

They told the Advertiser how they provide additional support to families during periods of school closure, with coordinator Angela Easton saying: “I think it’s a fantastic idea and would take lot of pressure off people.

“We see a significant rise in the use of the foodbank during holiday periods, and when we know there’s a child in a family, we give out extra items in their parcels during the holidays for making meals through the day.

“The people coming in aren’t asking for it, but you can see the anxiety in their faces.”

She added: “It’s important that the programme is done in an unstigmatised way, maybe being rolled out at youth clubs.

“We don’t know yet how it will work but it’s a good idea and everybody seems to be in favour of it.”

Fellow volunteer coordinator Jean Scott agreed: “We notice a difference during holiday times when children are off school and not getting lunches; we give extra things like soup, pasta, tuna and sweetcorn to make more meals.

“We’ve noticed a significant upturn from this time last year, as the number of referrals is escalating.”

She added: “At special occasions like Easter or Christmas, we give out gifts like chocolate eggs and advent calendars. It’s a pleasure to help people, and that’s what we’re here for.”

Figures from foodbank organisation the Trussell Trust indicate that 47,955 emergency food packages were provided for children in Scotland last year – compared to 1861 in 2011-12.

National research also shows that almost a third of parents with incomes under £25,000 skip meals during school holidays so their children can eat and nearly two thirds are not always able to afford food outside of term time – rising to half and three quarters respectively for those with incomes under £15,000.

The North Lanarkshire scheme was also backed by headteacher Teresa Verrechia, of St Dominic’s Primary in Airdrie.

She said: “The importance of a healthy diet in the development of young children can’t be underestimated.

“Pupils who eat a nutritious, balanced diet show far better levels of concentration, and it helps their overall growth and development.

“Lack of proper nutrition acts as a barrier to learning and can have a lasting impact on a child’s future opportunities.”

Support Volunteers say they are in favour of the scheme