The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Foodbanks renew appeal as those in need face crisis
Fears are deepening for people lacking the basics as the public self-isolate and some shoppers panic buy. But Courier Country foodbanks now need your help more than ever, as Mike Alexander reports.
The impact of fewer volunteers, increased demand and fluctuating stocks is testing the resolve of Courier Country foodbanks at a time when their need is more important than ever.
Joyce Leggate, chairwoman of Kirkcaldy Foodbank, told The Courier the impact of the coronavirus outbreak meant the past week had been the “worst ever” with 70% of their regular 146 volunteers having to self-isolate for health and age reasons. However, she had also been “humbled” by donations coming in from the public and businesses.
“There’s been a massive impact,” she said.
“Many of these are our frontline volunteers as well who distribute the food to the public.
“At the same time we’ve had a huge respond to our social media appeal for more volunteers.”
Joyce said that last week there had been a “significantly disrupted service”.
However, by the end of this week and the beginning of next week she hoped to have everyone replaced with new volunteers being “fast tracked” into position.
A lot of them are Fife Council employees who, because their own jobs are quieter, have been diverted to work with the foodbank.
She said regular food donations have taken a hit. However, there had also been “amazing” support over the last few days. For example, now closed schools had donated stock, as had community groups. TK Maxx had also donated all of its perishable food and M&S had been very generous.
Efforts were being made to minimise face-to-face contact that volunteers have with the public to limit the risk of infection. However, it was highly likely some would have to take a step back as circumstances develop and this would likely have an impact.
What she still needed was support from anyone with a van to help distribute across Kirkcaldy.
She is also worried about a spike in demand given the number of people on zero-hour contracts and others who have lost their jobs who might find themselves in need of help imminently.
Richard Wemyss, who runs the East Neuk Foodbank in Anstruther, said local communities were still being “very generous”, with stocks currently “adequate”.
However, he too is very concerned about the potential increase in need. He said: “It’s too early yet to understand what this may be, but there are so many people in the East Neuk who rely on hospitality and tourism-related jobs as well as small businesses. I am worried for our community.
“I am worried that the panic buying may also drive folk to our door as some people who are just on the breadline and cannot afford to stock up cannot source the basics, especially when there is no need for folk to stock up.
“The local manager of the Co-Op has put out a request for people just to buy what they need and there will be sufficient for everyone.
“I hope that people now are getting that message and that shops will return to the closest semblance of normal as can be achieved in these difficult times.”
Richard said they have stopped their drop-in, where people could come for a chat and teas and coffees, to protect volunteers and clients alike. They still have the landline phone and laptop with internet access available for accessing external services.
However, this is now on a request basis rather than open for all so they have a chance to clean surfaces etc in between use.
“I would say to anyone living in the East Neuk on the edge of needing our services – please do not feel embarrassed about coming along,” said Richard, adding that they are still open Tuesdays 12-4pm and Thursdays 4-6pm in Anstruther Church.
“It is a very difficult thing for anyone to step over a foodbank doorstep. But we are here to help.
“You do not need to go to another service to be referred – come straight to us.
“I am also delighted that the East Neuk Community Emergency Planning Team are taking an overview of the community need and co-ordinating volunteers to where they are needed.
“Yes we are worried, but our community is resilient and generous and we will do our best to match the need as it arises.”
Rizwan Rafik, head of operations of Dundee-based foodbank Taught by Muhammad, has called on anyone with extra supplies to donate.
He said the foodbank is facing unprecedented demand and that it will soon grind to a halt unless those with large stocks help.
“It’s one of the highest levels of demand we have ever seen,” he said.
“There is barely any food around for us to deliver to people.
“We are trying our best but if it keeps going like this, we will have to tell people we can’t help them.
“It’s frustrating because we’ve never had a situation like this.”
Faisal Hussein, CEO of Yusuf Youth Initiative, which runs the foodbank, said he expects foodbank referrals to continue to grow with “panic and uncertainty” around food supplies for many more vulnerable people in Dundee’s communities.
“Things are changing rapidly,” he said. “Not week by week or even day by day.
“We are seeing shifts by the hour. There is a lot of panic and uncertainty.
“Although we have seen a rise in the number of foodbank referrals, we expect this to grow. FAISAL HUSSEIN
“We are having difficulty in getting supplies and would like people to be careful when they panic buy. There are people in Dundee living by the day.
“Taught by Muhammad volunteers are putting themselves forward in the front line – taking measures, of course, with our contactless services.”
Faisal said they were currently running low on the following items: long-life milk, sugar, pasta sauce, tinned potatoes, mash potatoes, tinned meats, tinned soups and curry sauce jars.
All items can be donated by contacting their foodbank co-ordinator Jamil Ahmad on 07871 040642. If the line is busy, please email Jamil@ taughtbymuhammad.com or via social media pages.