Massive hike in foodbank use

Change is desperately needed, says Elizabeth

More than 4,500 emergency food packages have been handed out to hungry families in just six months.

People falling into crisis are turning to Renfrewshire Foodbank, with 4,573 three-day emergency food supplies given out between April 1 and September 30, 1,197 of which went to children.

The figures are a nine per cent increase on the same period last year.

The rise is being put down to people struggling with benefit payments, Universal Credit and insecure work.

Foodbank manager Elizabeth Alexander says change is urgently needed to tackle the problem.

She said: “It’s a real concern that in only six months we’ve provided 4,573 emergency supplies to people.

“These figures don’t even cover our busiest time of year.

“As the colder weather draws in, we often find more people needing our help. It’s not right that anyone in Renfrewshire is being forced to turn to our foodbank.”

The charity has been providing three- day emergency food and support to hungry people since 2012.

A total of 33.7 tonnes of food were donated by the community between April and September of this year.

Elizabeth said the foodbank will continue to support those in need but admitted she wanted to see an end to people needing emergency supplies.

She added: “Our volunteers offer vital support when it matters most, but they should not need to do so.

“We want to see an end to people needing emergency food.

“With a benefits system that catches people before they fall into crisis and secure work that provides people with enough money to cover the cost of essentials, we could reach that future.

“We’re determined to make sure that, until that time comes, emergency help is here for people.

“But there needs to be some long- term change, because we don’t want to be here forever.”

The service has issued an appeal for donations of food and funds with the onset of winter .

The foodbank is particularly in need of Christmas treats, such as biscuits, tinned sweets, crisps and nibbles.

It also needs toiletries, including toilet paper, shampoo, shaving gel and razors, shower gel, soap, toothpaste and deodorant.

Long life juice and tins of tomatoes, fruit, potatoes and fish are also urgently required.

The charity has asked for festive donations to be handed in by early December to ensure volunteers have enough time to process and distribute these before Christmas.

Cash donations can be made securely online at give. net/ foodbankchristmas

You can also give by printing a form from renfrewshire.foodbank. org.uk/give-help/donate-money and posting the completed version to Renfrewshire Foodbank, Westway, Porterfield Road, Renfrew, PA4 8DJ.

Cheques should be made payable to Renfrewshire Foodbank.