Need for emergency food bank parcels increased in Glasgow

Areas including Anniesland, Pollok, Provan, and Shettleston have recorded a growth in packages provided to struggling families between April and September this year.

Meanwhile Clydebank, Milngavie, Bearsden, Greenock, Inverclyde, Paisley, Renfrewshire North and West, Renfrewshire South, Airdrie and Shotts, also noticed an increase.

It comes as more than 122,000 emergency food parcels have been distributed to people facing hunger across Scotland by The Trussell Trust, in the same period.

READ MORE: Glasgow food bank predicted more pensioners needing services

The items in the crate are typical food items that are in high demand- cereal, tinned ham, long life milk, tinned tomatoes, tea, sweetcorn and diluting juice. (Image: Colin Mearns)

This includes 40,000 parcels provided to children as families were most affected, with 59% of the total number of parcels going to households with youngsters aged 0–16.

In addition, 21,000 people visited a food bank for the first time between April and September.

Speaking about the figures released today, Crystal Clayton, manager at Renfrewshire Foodbank, said: “It’s sobering that more than 122,000 emergency food parcels were provided around Scotland, which is a horrifying amount. This cannot go on. Every day, the people we see deal with hardships and challenges. They do not have enough money to live on, even with financial advice and support.

“We must permanently address the issue of people being forced to seek emergency food aid. Food banks are not the solution to hunger, and they should never have become accepted as the norm. We must see a commitment to ensuring a minimum income for all people and to enhancing the social security systems – that is the only way to end the need for emergency food.”

We have been speaking with the teams behind Trussel food banks who have been explaining the huge demand and pressure they are under.

This is part of our Bank on Us appeal which aims to help feed struggling people in Glasgow and beyond.

Every edition of the Glasgow Times on Friday, November 22, will feature a paper bag which can be filled up with food items and donated to your local food bank.

The Glasgow Times is launching our vital Bank on Us campaign for the sixth year in a row. (Image: Colin Mearns)

Shona Simm, the Glasgow North West Foodbank project manager, previously said: “We are putting out twice as much as we are bringing in, people just aren’t in a position to donate like before.

“You can have the best will in the world but if the money isn’t there then you can’t add anything to your shopping basket for us.

“Everyone is just feeling the pinch, but those on benefits or low incomes are really struggling now and demand is growing.”

Anti-poverty charity Trussell reported a six per cent dip in the number of parcels provided across the country, compared to last year.

Trussell says there are a number of possible reasons for this recent small dip.

This includes an increase in other food aid providers and a gradual slowdown in the extortionate price hikes we experienced on food and bills in recent years.

Also unfreezing Local Housing Allowance, bringing support for private renters in line with actual local rents could contribute.

However, Trussell says it’s difficult to say if there has been an actual drop in hunger and hardship. The need for emergency food is still persistently high.

Trussell says while food banks are a last resort for people who’ve been left isolated, facing hunger, and without enough money to live on, many are at breaking point due to years of growing numbers of people forced through their doors.

Winter is often the busiest time for food banks and Trussell is calling on the public to continue to play their part and support their local food banks to meet this urgent need, by volunteering, donating, fundraising or campaigning to help end hunger in Scotland.

As well as our food drive, the Glasgow Times will be raising money for our Bank of Us toy drive via GoFundMe.

This year we want to support families at Christmas in the hope that vulnerable children will get to open a present on December 25.

We are hoping for our readers, nurseries, schools, and businesses to get behind the campaign by donating.

All proceeds will be used to purchase new toys which will be distributed to charities around the town to be handed out to parents and put under the tree.

Stacey Mullen, editor of the Glasgow Times, said: "Times are tough, families are facing so much hardship amid the cost of living crisis, and if we can all take a moment to spare a thought for them and give something back, no matter how small, it will make a huge difference.

“The greatest thing about editing this newspaper is knowing that our readers all look out for each other and doing this campaign will no doubt prove that.

“So thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us with Bank on Us.”

You can donate towards our toy bank by clicking HERE. 

The Bank on Us 2024 campaign is proudly sponsored by Allied Vehicles, Arnold Clark, Smyths Toys Superstores, SPAR Scotland, Stagecoach, StepChange, Storage Vault and Wise Group.

We will be speaking with our sponsors over the coming weeks, as well as other food banks.