Renfrewshire Foodbank has issued an urgent appeal for donations as stocks plummet due to the rising demand brought on by the cost-of-living crisis.
In the last month alone, almost 2,000 have turned to the food bank for help to feed themselves and their families – a shocking 42 per cent increase from March 2022.
In the last financial year – from April 6, 2022 to April 5, 2023 – almost 10,000 people needed to access the emergency food aid.
A total of 9,875 residents faced food insecurity, with the stark figures showing a 25 per cent rise from the previous year.
There has also been a concerning increase in the number of children accessing the food aid service, with Renfrewshire Foodbank recording a 52 per cent increase in child referrals.
With the price of groceries, bills and essentials still climbing it is hitting the pockets of families harder than ever before.
And the figures released by Renfrewshire Foodbank show that the start to 2023 in particular has been difficult for families and the food bank itself with supplies running low due to the demand.
Renfrewshire Foodbank manager, Crystal Clayton, has said that there is an urgent need for stock.
She said: “The start of the year has been a difficult one and the stock we have has run very low due to the demand because of the cost-of-living crisis.
“We need the help of the people of Renfrewshire to resupply the stock levels to ensure people can benefit from the food bank. We don’t want stock being any lower than it is, and it is very low.
“In my time at the food bank it is the worst I have ever seen. Food banks are facing a huge pressure at the minute.
“Donations are key for food banks to survive. It’s not only food but living essentials such as cleaning products and toiletries to help people get by.
“Items such as jam, long-life milk and condiments including ketchup and brown sauce are all urgently needed, as well as tinned foods like vegetables, meat and tomatoes.”
Despite the ongoing crisis, Crystal said the team are in high spirts and doing everything.
She added: “The situation is hard on everyone at the minute and we are doing our utmost to make sure we give that help to people when they need it.
“It is a safe environment when you come to us and the staff create friendly surroundings. You will not be met with any form of judgement.”
To donate any food, money or to help volunteer you can find out more information on the Trussell Trust website where you can also find links to donate – https://renfrewshire.foodbank.org.uk/give-help/
Opening hours of the warehouse on Porterfield Road, Renfrew, for donations is 9am until 2pm Monday to Friday.
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