Aberdeenshire North Foodbank has issued an urgent appeal for food and financial donations.

The charity is facing a critical shortage and warns it may struggle to provide for the increasing number of local families in need.

The number of individuals facing food insecurity across Aberdeenshire is soaring, it said, with families, elderly individuals, and young adults increasingly seeking the foodbank's help.

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Stewart Duncan, operations manager, said: "We are at a tipping point.

"More people than ever are relying on us, but our shelves are running bare, and our funds are dwindling."

The drop in donations has made it nearly impossible for the organisation to keep up with demand.

Essential items such as tinned vegetables, tinned meat, pasta, rice, and other staples are at critically low levels.

The foodbank is appealing to the community to help restock its shelves.

Duncan encouraged local groups, schools, and businesses to consider organising food drives.

He said: "We need the community’s help to keep food on the plates of those who need it most.

"Right now, we’re facing a food donation crisis."

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Financial support is also urgently needed to keep the food bank’s doors open and operations running.

Donations can be made directly at their website at www.aberdeenshirenorth.foodbank.org.uk.

Donations help cover the cost of purchasing bulk food supplies, maintaining facilities, and supporting vital outreach services.

Duncan said: "A donation of any size can have a real impact.

"We need financial flexibility to meet the community’s needs, especially as winter approaches and demand peaks."