Foodbanks across Glasgow are preparing for their most challenging Christmas yet.
New research has found Scotland's foodbanks are struggling to cope with rising demand and dwindling public donations.
According to a survey by community giving platform Neighbourly - which Aldi partners with to distribute surplus food from its stores – 68% of food banks, charities and community causes in Scotland are worried about not having enough food to support people this Christmas.
Neighbourly polled more than 600 food banks and community causes nationwide and found that 89% in Scotland expect this Christmas to be their busiest yet, with more people than ever needing their support.
Shockingly, the survey also revealed that 71% of food banks in the region have witnessed a drop in donations in recent months – with the fallout of the pandemic and rising cost of living continuing to impact contributions.
On average, food banks in Scotland expect to see a 36% increase in demand over the next three months, with organisations in the area currently supporting an average of 203 people a week. More than 67% say they’ve already experienced an increase in demand since the summer.
From tinned foods to festive treats and toiletries, the research also revealed a list of the items that are most needed by food banks over the festive period to help guide supporters. Shoppers can donate food to local charities, food banks and community groups via the community donation points in Aldi stores nationwide.
Here are the top 15 most in-demand items:
Tinned food
Festive treats
Toiletries
Tea/coffee
Biscuits and snacks
Breakfast cereals
Juices and soft drinks
UHT milk
Laundry and cleaning products
Dry packaged food
Rice and pasta
Gift items
Cooking sauces
Children’s toys, crafts and games
Sanitary items
Mary Dunn, Managing Director of Corporate Responsibility at Aldi UK, said: “Christmas can be a particularly busy time for the local charities and organisations we support, but this year is set to be more challenging than ever.
“As part of our Christmas campaign with Kevin the Carrot and Marcus Radishford, we have committed to donate 1.8 million meals to good causes in the lead-up to Christmas – and we know that our customers in Scotland want to help too. If you feel you are in a position to help, your donation could make all the difference to food banks this Christmas.”
Steve Butterworth, CEO of Neighbourly, added: “The findings of our latest survey highlight that the continued impact of the pandemic, combined with increased inflation, is being very much felt by communities up and down the country, with charities and local causes feeling the effects too. We’d encourage anyone who is able to give back in the coming weeks to do so.”
To find out more about Aldi's partnership with Neighbourly, make sure to visit the supermarket's website here.
