The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Claim city on poverty precipice
Charity chiefs have warned north-east residents could be pushed into poverty by rising energy prices.
Hundreds of pounds are to be added to bills and foodbanks are already facing unprecedented increases in demand.
Community Food Initiatives North East (Cfine) has warned the hike in energy prices could deliver a “knockout blow” to many who have been on the edge for too long.
Development manager Graeme Robbie said the situation was now “dire”, adding: “This winter is proving exceptionally difficult for many vulnerable individuals, families and communities.”
He has appealed for additional donations to help the charity continue to deliver vital emergency meals.
Aberdeen foodbank bosses fear the latest hike in energy prices could be the knockout blow to families who are already struggling.
Community Food Initiatives North East (Cfine) has launched an appeal for donations as they continue to face an unprecedented increase in demand due to the soaring cost of living.
The turmoil of the pandemic has accelerated even further in the aftermath, with inflation hitting a 10year high and the rising costs of food and fuel.
Energy regulator Ofgem also announced an increase of 50% on gas and electricity prices.
Cfine has remained a lifeline for thousands throughout the hardest of times, delivering more than 3.1 million emergency meals to vulnerable individuals.
But as the demand for their services continues to grow, they are now in need of donations of long-life food items to keep their shelves stocked and help those struggling.
Cfine development manager Graeme Robbie said: “This winter is proving exceptionally difficult.
“At Cfine, we are really concerned that the dire situation faced by those in food poverty and insecurity is set to rapidly deteriorate further due to the cost of living crisis, hikes in energy bills, and the potential of a national insurance rise, as well as other pressures.
“There are some food items we are currently running low of, and are asking the public to once again show generosity in donating some of these, or indeed contributing financially to help support vulnerable people.”
The charity foodbank is currently in need of long-life food items for emergency packages, which they distribute to as far as Shetland and the Western Isles.