Lochaber Food Bank sees numbers soar

AFTER Lochaber Food Bank opened in 2013, it handed out enough food for 1,727 meals in its first five months in operation.

By the end of last year, that figure had rocketed to a staggering 14,052 meals feeding 1,171 people.

The past five years of helping those in crisis has seen the Fort William-based charity give out 42,838 meals, equivalent to 29,000kgs, or almost 30 tonnes, of food.

Lochaber Food Bank opens for two hours, three days a week and is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks supported by the Trussel Trust. It operates on a referrals basis, with vouchers exchanged for meals for a set number of days.

In the run-up to Christmas, foodbank manager Alex McConachie had praised what he called the ‘wonderful generosity’ of local residents and businesses that have kept pace with the growing demand by donating even more items and cash.

Giving an update to the Lochaber Times this week, Mr McConachie says while some of those aided by the foodbank are classed as homeless, the majority are those struggling to cope on low incomes, while others have problems with delayed wages or benefit changes – and the introduction of Universal Credit has made the situation worse.

‘The good news is donations from the generous businesses and people of Lochaber is keeping pace with demand, but the downside is demand continues to grow,’ he explained.

‘Many of those we help are in employment but a lot are in poorly paid part-time jobs, maybe working just 16 to 20 hours a week.

‘Sadly, I don’t see an end to the need for a food bank in Lochaber any time soon.’