A dad-of-three says he's been left to eat leftovers to survive as the cost-of-living crisis continues to hit homes across Scotland.
Dean Ramsay from Denny, Falkirk has spoken out in desperation while the cost of food and energy continues to rise. Speaking to STV News' Scotland Tonight, he said he goes to bed 'absolutely drained', not knowing how he'll survive the next day after his food, energy, and fuel bills nearly doubled in the recent months.
He said: "I miss sitting down with the kids and cooking a meal for everyone rather than just for them, because they are always asking me why I’m not eating. I’ll be eating the excess of what I’ve made them – a few chips and a few chicken nuggets in a wee bowl.
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"I’ll then go to bed because I’ve got nothing else to do. I’ve gone to bed hungry or cold or absolutely drained because I don’t know how we’re going to cope the next day. I can only imagine that’s what other families do as well.”
He added: "Next month is going to be shocking when I get my bill for my gas because I’ve had to have it on. I would rather just be cold myself, but because I’ve got the kids it’s a necessity."
While Dean says he has adapted to feeding himself of scraps, he admits its becoming harder as prices continues to rise. Inflation remains at a near-40-year high of 10.7 per cent, prompting a recent interest rate hike to 3.5 per cent, the highest level in 14 years.
As well as Dean, the evening programme also spoke to foodbank managers, Scottish businesses and a man with long-term care needs who relies on a number of electrical appliances to improve his quality of life.
With this, STV reported a foodbank revealed that 40 per cent of the households it supplies have children.
Edinburgh Live spoke to foodbanks throughout 2022, admitting they were struggling to keep up with demands. Meanwhile Fresh Start, a charity that offers a community food pantry and support for those in temporary accommodation, said they had seen four times as many people walk through their doors. They warned it would only get worse through winter.
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