Some days I go without food so I can feed my son
DIANE Rice was forced to turn to a food bank after she was made redundant from her job as a hotel team leader.
She is now struggling to keep a roof over head and provide for her fouryear-old son Leo.
Diane, 36, from Glasgow, said: “Things have been so tough and there have been days where I’ve gone without just so I can feed my son.
“I’m struggling to get by on £108 a week. After I pay bills, there’s not much left.
“Every penny I have goes towards Leo, and being a single parent isn’t easy. I want to work and I’ve applied for jobs, but never hear anything back.”
Diane was referred to Glasgow South East Food Bank – one of the busiest in Scotland.
It’s a lifeline to those most in need and, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, it is manned by four volunteers who help put together hundreds of food parcels.
People are referred from social services, Citizens Advice Scotland, Money Matters and other agencies.
To qualify, people must have a valid Glasgow South East Food Bank voucher. They’ll be assessed to see if they’re eligible for a pre-payment fuel voucher. Each package given out by the trust contains a three-day supply of food and basics for those in dire need.
Diane said: “Right now, I only have £10 and I’ll have to make that last for a week.
“I’m living day to day and it’s depressing. It’s a struggle just to keep my head above water.
“The system is failing people like me. I’ve asked for help several times but people don’t seem to care. I just feel so hopeless and I can’t see things getting better any time soon.
“I never thought I’d have to rely on a food bank. Without it, though, we would have nothing to eat.”
The Trussell Trust are calling for benefit levels to be uprated in line with inflation to ensure payments keep pace with the cost of living, particularly for disabled people and families with dependent children.
They also asking for an urgent inquiry into the administration of Universal Credit, so that payments delays can be tackled sooner.
I just feel so hopeless and I can’t see things getting better any time soon