More families go to foodbanks

County concerns as winter poverty bites

an increase in need for emergency food across West Lothian and I fear that this is only going to get worse with Universal Credit coming to us in February.

“Every week people are referred to us after something unavoidable like illness, a delayed benefit payment or an unexpected bill means there’s no money for food.

“It’s only with local people’s help that we’re able to provide vital support when it matters most, and whilst we hope one day there’ll be no need for our work, until that day comes we’ll be working hard to help prevent people going hungry.”

A West Lothian Council spokesperson the Wes t Lothian Community Planning Partnership’s ‘ Better Off : Anti- Poverty Strategy’ aims to minimise the impact of poverty on the people of West Lothian.

He continued: “Its objective is to ensure that people are equipped to cope with the challenges they currently face; those of the deep economic recession and the welfare reforms.

“Council officers work closely with West Lothian Food Bank to ensure that all those who are referred to the Food Bank have access to good quality advice to maximise their income, manage their debt and improve their budgeting skills and to resolve any issues which may be affecting their situation.

Visit www. westlothian. foodbank.org.uk, call the Advice Shop on 01506 283000 or e-mail Advice. Shop@ westlothian. gov. uk. To donate to the Foodbank visit www.westlothian.foodbank.org. uk/give-help/

It’s only with local people’s help we’re able to provide vital support . . .