Foodbank push for Christmas
No one should go hungry - but never more than at Christmas, writes Susan Paterson.
Annual figures for food poverty are on the rise.
South Ayrshire Foodbank confirm that from January to September this year, they have provided emergency three day food parcels for 3606 people of which 933 were children.
Now if you have an hour or two to spare between Thursday, November 30 and Saturday, December 2 you could be part of Tesco’s Food Collection Christmas push at a store near you.
Over three days from the end of November, extra volunteers are needed to hand out shopping lists to Tesco customers explaining what are the best items to donnate. The food collected will go to foodbanks and community groups in your area like Fareshare and The Trussell Trust.
Cathy at the South Ayrshire Foodbank said: “We already have some of our regular volunteers assisting on these days but would welcome further assistance each day. Anyone interested can contact me on 07599071114, or by email to info@ southayrshire. foodbank. org.”
Joan Samson, Community Champion and Terri James, Service manager, both at Ayr’s Tesco, said they have been doing this at Christmas for many years. Terri said: “It can be very moving to see the extent of people’s generosity.” It’s easy to volunteer and lodge interest. Sign up via www. trusselltrust or www. fareshare. org. uk/ food- collection.