Public urged to continue supporting local food banks
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Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Stewart Stevenson is urging the public to continue donating to north-east food banks during the coronavirus outbreak as new volunteers sign up to help.
Food banks are playing a critical role in getting essential supplies to vulnerable individuals and families impacted by Covid-19, which, along with schools and other services being closed, has created unprecedented demand.
Since the outbreak of coronavirus the Trussell Trust have lost three quarters of their normal volunteers, who are typically over 70.
It has also changed how food gets to those most in need, focusing its efforts on delivering free food, toiletries and sanitary product parcels directly to people’s homes, with the support of partner organisations and a growing bank of volunteers.
As a result of the Covid-19 outbreak, Scottish Gas employees have volunteered to collect food items from supermarkets and wholesale depots to supply Trussell Trust food banks, and deliver 14-day food parcels directly to the doorstep of vulnerable households.
This has included delivering to residents at Doocot View Sheltered Housing complex in Banff.
More than 3000 engineers have now volunteered across Scotland providing a lifeline service to many and allow local food banks to continue to operate.
Mr Stevenson said: “Food banks in the north-east are busier than ever and they need your help.
"Locally we are renowned for our resilience and the response from those working in our food banks is no exception.
"Staff and volunteers have been working around the clock to prevent anyone in need from entering food poverty – it is truly inspiring.
“They represent the best of our community and I have been blown away by their efforts to safely deliver food parcels to help the most vulnerable members of our community during the coronavirus pandemic.
“However, current food supply chains are not enough to meet the local demand and I want to urge residents, restaurants and businesses to help by donating supplies to ensure that no one goes without during this crisis.”
