Council cash crisis sparks foodbank fear
Fresh produce could be cut from parcels
A foodbank could be forced to cut supplies of fresh produce to hard-up families if Clackmannanshire Council press ahead with plans to cut funding of £7,400.
The proposal is one of a number of savings being considered by the authority as it tries to bridge an £11 million 2019-20 funding deficit.
One of the suggestions is that the council could claw back almost £170,000 over the next two years by ceasing and reducing funding to community groups and voluntary organisations.
That would include cutting annual grants to Devonside, Clackmannan and Coalsnaughton village halls, ending an annual grant to the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to deliver road safety events for all S4 pupils, ending the funding of The Gate foodbank and Soup Pot, stopping grants to OAP groups and funding for community councils and reducing aid to Barnardo’s and Action for Children.
A spokesperson for The Gate foodbank, based in Alloa, said there were concerns over the plans.
Val Rose added: “The proposed cuts hit the most vulnerable in our community at a time when the need for a safety net for those suffering real hardships continues to increase.
“Last year we supported over 4000 people with food parcels following referrals from over 30 agencies across Clackmannanshire. Many of these referrals come directly from council departments.
“Over 1500 of those referred were children. For the amount that we are supported by Clacks Council – under £5000 – we are sure that we deliver excellent value for money.
“We’re still evaluating what effect these budget cuts would have on the foodbank but it may well be that the money spent on fresh items which ensure that there is adequate nutrition in the food parcels may well have to be cut.
“We’re very fortunate that we have the strong support of our community and the donations of non–perishable goods and the work of our volunteers means that the foodbank will continue to provide a same day response to those in crisis situations.”
The Soup Pot, also Alloa, which last year had over 1500 customers, is a drop–in café and is also staffed and supported by volunteers. This provides a hot meal twice a week for those in homeless accommodation or in vulnerable situations.
It receives a grant from the council of under £3000 a year which provides not only a contribution towards the food supplied but also to a starter pack supporting those going into new tenancies.
It may be that the money spent on fresh items in the food parcels may have to be cut