MORE THAN 4,500 emergency food supplies were issued to West Fifers by Dunfermline Foodbank in the last 12 months.

According to statistics published by The Trussell Trust this week, a total of 4,579 people were helped which included 1,628 children.

The report revealed UK-wide foodbank figures are still increasing and indicated the local increase was due to people struggling with continued issues with benefit payments, Universal Credit roll-out, low wages and insecure work.

With demand for Foodbank help increasing, West Fifers have also been helping to ensure that those in need can be helped.

Over the last year, a total of 56.4 tonnes of food was donated to Dunfermline Foodbank and more than 200 people volunteered.

As well as providing emergency food, the charity provides essentials like washing powder, nappies and sanitary products to families who are struggling as well as signposting them to other services in the local area. 

Jonathan Astill, manager of Dunfermline Foodbank, said it was deeply concerning that they were still seeing an increase in the number of three-day emergency food supplies provided. 

“Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank,” he said. “Every week, people are referred to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or an unexpected bill – which means food is simply unaffordable.

“It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it matters most and we hope that one day, there will be no need for us in West Fife.

"But until that day comes, we will continue to offer the best possible service to help local people facing a crisis.

"Thank you so much to everyone in West Fife who already donates time, food and money to help local people. If you’re not already involved, we’d love to hear from you.”

Despite generous donations of food, there are many hidden costs to run the foodbank including warehouse space, sorting and stocking donated food, a van to pick up donated food and deliver to distribution centres and other overheads like utilities and insurances. 

Dunfermline foodbank welcomes any new offers of help with funding. Any local businesses, organisations and individuals interested in supporting its work can find out more at www.dunfermline.food bank.org.uk.