FOOD banks will come under unprecedented strain this Christmas, Scotland’s biggest network warns.
Last December, the Trussell Trust’s Scottish sites provided almost 25,500 emergency three-day ration packs.
More than 10,000 of those fed were children and the overall level of need rose by a shocking 25% on December 2017.
Today the food aid provider confirms it is bracing itself for record demand next month.
Appealing for donations from the public, chief executive Emma Revie said: “Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration – but for too many people in Scotland it’s becoming harder and harder to keep their heads above water.”
Records for April to September show the number of food parcels provided during that period leaped 22% year-on-year.
For the UK as a whole, December 2018 was the busiest ever month for food banks.
As many as 186,200 crisis parcels were provided during that four-week festive period, with supplies handed out for 78,500 children.
The overall number is 44% higher than the monthly average for the 2018-19 financial year.
While the UK Government denies welfare changes are to blame, the charity’s recent State of Hunger blamed benefits problems, ill health or “challenging life experiences” and a lack of local support for exacerbating want.
Across the UK, the average weekly income of households using food banks is just £50 after housing costs.
The Trust says all indicators suggest “more people than ever will need a food bank’s help in Scotland” this Christmas, as pressures on household budgets rise due to colder, darker weather and other factors.
Asking the public to donate to their local food bank “as soon as possible", the Trust said: “Volunteers will be stretched supporting more people than ever, so the earlier donations are made, the more time volunteers will have to distribute them to people referred.”
Calling for a political commitment to alleviate poverty at the general election, Revie said: “Nine in ten of us believe hunger in the UK is a problem – food banks cannot and should not have to continue to pick up the pieces.
“We know many people want to help their local communities at this time of year. There are two simple things you can do to make a real difference.
“First, find out what items your local food bank is most in need of and donate as soon as possible. Then help us end the need for food banks for good, by asking all your local candidates up for election to pledge to protect people from hunger by making sure everyone has enough money for the basics.”
Revie went on: “It’s not right that anyone should have to use a food bank at any time of year – not just at Christmas.
“Our next government must start working towards a future where no one needs a food bank.
“It’s not inevitable that every Christmas we hear stories about families needing food banks. It’s in our power to reach a future where everyone has enough money for the basics. This can change.”
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