THE Vine Church is offering free meals to anyone that needs a helping hand this week.

A trial is taking place where people in need can book in to receive a free meal.

They can then collect it at three designated pick-up areas or request delivery.

The church is hoping to carry this on next week and plans to provide the service for the long term.

The initiative is also supporting a local business as Better Buffets in Dunfermline are making the meals.

Adrian Turk, from the Vine, said: "We're trying to help people who maybe have slipped through the cracks, they've been out on furlough and are struggling to get food for their family or maybe they're a bit vulnerable.

"We've been really encouraged by the support of Dunfermline, other organisations and politicians about this.

"And there's a good buzz out there about what we're trying to do."

The free meals have been funded through the church and donations through a Justgiving page but they hope they can access some funding to keep it going.

"We'd like to do this for as long as we can or as long as the need is there," Adrian added.

"We have a great number of volunteers who want to help.

"We've had headteachers phoning us up about some vulnerable families they know so we know the need is there.

"I think its the role of the church help in this way; we have a role in society to help out, especially at these times.

"We know there are pensioners and families that are struggling, it's just making sure we can get the word out!"

After Tuesday's first free meal, the Vine had given around 38 meals out but have the capacity for about 100 so are encouraging others to get in touch.

Pastor Aaron Dowds said: "We've had some families where parents have been placed on furlough so income is tight.

"We also had a lady from Glasgow fill in a form for her sister, who is shielding.

"So the need is there. I also read that they predict that, in one out five families, children will be hungry in the UK because of the pandemic so we want to be able to help stop that.

"We hope people will feel like they can reach out and ask for help."

To book a meal visit https://www.thevinechurch.com/free-meals/ or call/text the hotline, 07515 287 095.