A full-scale emergency relief effort is under way in Kirkcudbrightshire to ensure nobody goes hungry during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The Heart of Galloway Visitor Centre in Castle Douglas has been transformed into Stewartry Foodbank’s operations HQ.
Dumfries food aid agency First Base and Castle Douglas Development Forum (CDDF) have joined forces to run the scheme.
CDDF project manager Sarah-Jane Allsopp said they will target people who are self-isolating, struggling to get out or have no transport.
They will provide a parcel for food to last two days.
She added: “We have a team of volunteers running the foodbank and a team of drivers delivering as well.
“We are covering the whole of the Stewartry and have already delivered to The Glenkens, Dalbeattie and Kirkcudbright.
“It has been very busy and we have handed out over 50 parcels in our first few days.”
Donations of food and cash have poured in since the foodbank set up shop last week.
And a massive voluntary effort has swung into action behind the initiative.
Sarah-Jane said: “There are going to be a big group of people out there who have never had to call on support from anyone before.
“A lot of them are working people who are suddenly finding themselves struggling at the moment.
“We will ensure that a parcel gets delivered out to them.
“If someone tells us they have no food then they will get it.
“The service is strictly confidential.”
Food parcels were not a replacement for home shopping, she stressed.
“This is for those who can’t afford food and who can’t cook themselves a hot meal,” she said.
“I really do want to get the word out especially to older people who are not getting carers in.”
First Base supplies soup, pies and bread rolls which Stewartry Food Bank tops up with other donated items.
Sarah-Jane thanked all those supporting the service, including Ballards Butchers and Little’s for supplying pies and electricians CS McKerlie for installing a hot water heater free of charge.
She said: “I have been overwhelmed by how much the community has come behind us.
Stewartry Food Bank is open noon-2pm Monday to Saturday. Anyone who needs assistance can contact the helpline on 07730 788335.
