MP Mhairi makes a festive appeal
Foodbanks need as many donations as possible
JACK THOMSON
LOCAL DEMOCRACY REPORTER
Mhairi Black MP has backed Renfrewshire Foodbank’s Christmas appeal and has asked for people to do their bit to help the vulnerable at this time of year.
The vital service is asking for cash and food donations, as it deals with the growing impact from September’s full rollout of Universal Credit in the area.
Mhairi said she has been amazed by the generosity of local people.
She said: “I don’t think foodbanks should exist but the reality is that they are essential for people to survive.
“The rollout of Universal Credit has caused an already stretched foodbank to see a sharp increase in people needing their help.
“At this time of year our thoughts often turn to those who are struggling and I would encourage the people of Renfrewshire to take part in this year’s foodbank appeal as it will make a real difference to people in need of food this Christmas.
“I am always amazed at how generous people are when I am taking part in a foodbank collection.
“No one in Renfrewshire should have to go hungry at Christmas so please join me in backing the appeal this Christmas and supporting Renfrewshire food bank.”
Trussell Trust research has shown there has been a 52 per cent increase in demand within a year at foodbanks where full Universal Credit has been rolled out.
The situation is expected to be no different at Renfrewshire Foodbank, who have already reported an increase in service usage.
The Express backs the foodbank every Christmas.
Foodbank manager Elizabeth Alexander thanked Renfrewshire’s MPs, both Mhairi and Gavin Newlands, for their support as both took part in recent collections at Tesco supermarkets in Paisley and Renfrew.
Ms Alexander said: “They tend to come each year. Mhairi comes and volunteers for us and Gavin usually comes to Renfrew. It’s great to have that support.”
It was confirmed at this week’s Leadership Board, the foodbank would receive £ 30,000 from Renfrewshire Council’s Tackling Poverty Programme over the next three years.
During 2017/18, the foodbank provided emergency food for 8,600 people – of which approximately 2,400 were children.
Cash donations can be made securely online at give. net/ foodbankchristmas
Alternatively, donations can be made by printing a form from renfrewshire. foodbank. org. uk/ give- help/ donate- money and posting the completed version to Renfrewshire Foodbank, Westway, Porterfield Road, Renfrew, PA4 8DJ.
Cheques should be made payable to Renfrewshire Foodbank. The Renfrewshire Foodbank donation centre is at Unit 12, Abercorn Industrial Estate, 80 Abercorn Street, Paisley.
It opens on Mondays and Fridays from 10am to noon and Thursdays from 5pm to 7pm.
Drop boxes are available at Asda Linwood, Morrisons Johnstone, Tescos in Renfrew and Paisley, and the Co-ops in Neilston Road, Bridge of Weir, Houston, Kilbarchan and Bishopton.
You can also drop food donations off at the Paisley Daily Express office inside Paisley YMCA at 39 High Street, on the corner of High Street and New Street.