Stirling Observer

SOS from foodbank

Shelves need restocked

- Gareth Jones

Demand on Stirling’s foodbank has reached its highest ever level.

An increased need for families requiring support for longer than the regular six-week period for foodpacks has left the Start-Up Stirling service stretched.

The charity has now made a drive for as many essential items as possible to be donated over the next few days.

“It is really hard to say why there has been an increase,” said Start-Up’s Linda Sterry. “I think one thing we have noticed is there are more families who are finding it tough.

“There is also the impact of Christmas, with many families now feeling the cost of the festive season.”

After a huge response from the community around Christmas, the foodbank’s shelves were left well stocked for the past few months. However, supplies of essential items are running low.

The service is particular­ly short of items needed for users who may not have access to a fridge: such as instant meals that can be made with a kettle, cereal bars, jars of sauces and tinned tomatoes. “We have to thank people for their ongoing support,” said Linda.

“However the last three weeks have seen the demand rise to the highest we’ve ever seen.”

Those hit by homelessne­ss or poverty are referred to Start-Up by other organisati­ons, with clients receiving support for six weeks to help them get back on their feet.

However, this year has seen more families than ever require food for longer than the prescribed periods.

Linda said: “We always try to give extra to families, but we are at the point now where we have to think about stopping doing that.

“We are trying to have a big push over the next few days, as we really need to generate some of the essential items.” Start-Up have collection points throughout Stirlingsh­ire including Sainsburys, Tesco (Stirling and Dunblane), Waitrose, the Co-ops in Bridge of Allan, Callander, Dunblane & Aberfoyle and donations are also accepted at the organisati­on’s depot in Springkers­e.

And, after a trial spell over Christmas, libraries across Stirling are now collecting items.

The partnershi­p aims to boost donations for the foodbank, whilst encouragin­g people to utilise the community services at their local library.

For more informatio­n on the foodbank, visit startupsti­rling.org.uk or search Start Up Stirling on Facebook.

 ??  ?? Bare Empty shelves at the foodbank in Stirling
Bare Empty shelves at the foodbank in Stirling

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