Ten years of foodbank

Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank are marking their tenth anniversary.

Launched in December 2013, the foodbank was created after an increasing number of people in the Rutherglen and Cambuslang area struggled to afford food for themselves and their families, due to the harsh economic conditions of the time.

However, over 10 years on, Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank is needed more than ever, as staff noted that the numbers using the service are over three times as many as in the beginning.

To show their appreciation to volunteers and donors, they are holding a coffee morning to say thanks on Wednesday, May 18, in Rutherglen Baptist Community Church Hall.

Manager Katharina Nimmo said:“We are inviting supporters, volunteers – old and new – and donors along to show our appreciation for all of the hard work that has gone in to help those most vulnerable in the local area.

“A short presentation will take place detailing our history before everyone gets a chance to chat and have some muchneeded fun.

“I joined around three-and-a-half years ago, but there are people here who have volunteered since its existence, and we couldn’t be more thankful for the work they have done.

“Also, we can’t thank those who donate to us enough for their efforts.

“The committee and trustees felt it was important to mark the occasion. Although, it’s not something we want to celebrate.

“In an ideal world, we wouldn’t need foodbanks. In the beginning, nobody would’ve thought it would still be needed 10 years on.

“However, we felt it necessary to mark the achievements of everyone involved in keeping the foodbank going and expanding our services to not only food. We are serving well over three times as many people as we were at the beginning. So it has definitely grown a lot.”

Rutherglen and Cambuslang Foodbank were in Morrisons in Cambuslang at the weekend collecting for their food drive.

This comes after they saw unprecedented numbers in the last year using the service, with an increase of 49 per cent in locals using their services, whilst also experiencing a 57 per cent drop in donations.

From November 1, 2021, until October 31, 2022, a total of 6188 people were relying on them and there were 56,000 donations.

However, that number was estimated to have increased to over 10,000 by the end of last year, whilst their donations plummeted to under half of what they once were.

Demand has calmed down slightly since the festive period, but they are still looking for help in feeding those who may otherwise go without.

To donate, visit their warehouse in the Rutherglen Exchange Shopping Centre – the last unit at the back, behind Dickson Chemist, the Romanian Pentecostal Church Hall, the Rutherglen Community Baptist Church or the Whitlawburn Community Resource Centre.