"KEEP donating" is the message from Dunfermline Foodbank who have already seen a rise in West Fifers needing their help.

The foodbank has been incredibly busy since people started losing their jobs due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

They're urging anyone that can help to donate even if all you can spare is one item.

Project manager Sandra Beveridge said: "This is an incredibly difficult time but if the public could just keep donating that would be great.

"As people lose their job, more and more people need help.

"And we'll keep trying to deliver the service we can.

"We won't know the figures until a few months' time but looking at footfall, it's getting busy.

"And we're expecting it to get even busier.

"It's difficult to see what the picture will be in the coming weeks right now though."

Foodbank centres are open from 4-6pm on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at Benarty, Dunfermline and Rosyth and on

Tuesdays and Thursdays at Cowdenbeath and Inverkeithing.

Donations can be made at their warehouse at Unit 8, Elgin Industrial Estate, Dickson Street, on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 4-6pm, but also at their wide range of collection points across West Fife.

For URGENT enquiries only, call 07580 231 286.

For routine enquiries, such as what the foodbank needs most, volunteering, where to get a voucher and where to donate, message the Facebook page, email info@dunfermline.foodbank.org.uk or visit the website www.dunfermline.foodbank.org.uk.

People should only attend with a referral.

Sandra added: "We know everybody is worried but even if you can donate one tin we would be very grateful."

Claire Baker MSP has urged stores to consider specific arrangements for those making purchases for food banks, in order to prevent volunteers making multiple trips in order to stay within purchase limits.

These issues have also been raised with the Scottish Government.

The Fife MSP said: "Supermarket staff are doing a great job to enable people to continue to access necessary food and supplies during this period and I welcome the steps which are being taken to help limit the spread of infection in stores and better protect staff and customers.

"While the measures introduced to restrict multiple purchases of certain items are welcome and key to ensuring access for more customers, it is necessary for foodbanks to buy in bulk, particularly as many are seeing a drop in donations.

"Volunteers are making multiple shopping trips to stay within purchase limits, which puts more people at risk of infection.

"While supermarkets are working to be fair to everyone, I am urging them to consider making special arrangements for foodbanks.

"I have also contacted the Scottish Government to ask if there is anything they can do to facilitate necessary purchasing of multiple items for food banks."