Foodbank sees demand increase
The government’s Universal Credit rollout has sparked a boom in demand at the area’s foodbanks.
More residents than ever before are fuelling the need for vital supplies, due to tough conditions imposed by the government on benefits claimants.
That is the the message from West Lothian’s foodbank service, as they embark on a seasonal donation campaign.
The charity has distributed 2925 emergency food packs, designed to feed 5885 people in the past year - 2118 of them children.
Figures were up 41 per cent on the preceding year, where 4168 people needed assistance.
Now bosses at West Lothian Foodbank hope a pre-festive bid to boost donations will enable them to serve needy and vulnerable residents over the Christmas period.
Anne Gunn, co-ordinator of West Lothian Foodbank’s Broxburn Distribution Centre, told the Courier that the changes to the benefit system have prompted higher use of the foodbank service.
She said: “It’s pretty well recognised that Universal Credit has caused an increase in demand.
“The five-week wait between application and the first payment is really difficult for people.
“We have definitely seen an increase and for us to meet that demand, we rely on the local community and businesses.”
Backed by national organisation the Trussell Trust, West Lothian Foodbank operates a number of distribution centres, including bases at Whitburn, Bathgate and the Broxburn branch.
Clients must have been referred by partner agencies and be in possession of a voucher before they secure a handout from the foodbank.
But all donations given out to customers in West Lothian, have first been painstakingly collected in the community.
And the charity’s seasonal ‘ reverse advent calendar’ campaign is designed to try and maximise donations ahead of the festive period, so vulnerable residents have Christmas treats.
The initiative, which launches later this month, will see local people asked to collect items from the foodbank’s list in a box over 25 days.
It will be similar to collecting chocolates from an advent calendar.
It will be launched at a coffee and information evening, the brainchild of Paralympic swimming gold medallist Jim Anderson.
Added Anne: “It’s really Jim who has come up with the idea of the event and we are offering coffee and cake, alongside a chance for people to learn about the work of the West Lothian Foodbank and how they can help support us.
“We hope to get festive items in early so they can be distributed to help make the festive season better for those who need our services.
“Our success really is down to the support we get from residents and businesses here in West Lothian.”
The event will take place at 7pm on Wednesday, October 23, at Broxburn Parish Church Hall.
We hope to get festive items in early