A Kilmarnock food bank faces a severe shortage as people continue to panic buy amid coronavirus fears.
East Ayrshire Council leader Douglas Reid warned “stocks are low” at the Belford Mill food bank in Kilmarnock.
He said: “Supermarkets don’t have the same surplus. Folk are panic buying. People are less inclined to give donations.”
Councillor Reid voiced concern about the “working poor” struggling to cope.
Asking the public not to bulk buy, he said: “The council and supermarkets are appealing to people not to hoard food.
“I can understand people’s anxiety but people are walking out the doors with five multi-packs of toilet paper.
“It is not acceptable.”
Ayrshire (East) Foodbank has appealed for members of the community to donate a freezer and fridge as it prepares for the growing crisis.
It said in a social media statement: “We are frantically preparing for the worst as the coronavirus pandemic spreads in our community.
“We are moving to supplement our provision of fresh and frozen ready made meals as we anticipate an increase in demand.
“We are opening a town centre community hub to help with the increase in demand and have access to kitchen facilities but do not have enough fridges or freezer.”
People have been trying to donate but can’t get to the shops so the food bank said folk can make a cash donation instead.
Delivery drivers are also needed.
To donate, call (01563) 574000 or make a donation to Belford Mill, 16 Brewery Road, Kilmarnock, or 13 to 15 West George Street in the town.
