West Fife: Councillors support for Press Foodbank Appeal

Thanks to sponsors Stagecoach, we have been able to team up with the Dunfermline Foodbank in a bid of get them enough donations to help those who need it this year.

We are asking readers, if they can, to donate food to the Foodbank using our free donation bag which will be included in the paper on Thursday, March 16.

Many councillors, including Fife Provost Jim Leishman, who also supported us and the foodbank massively during our Toy Appeal at Christmas, have got on board and are backing this campaign.

Cllr Leishman told the Press: "Foodbanks are forever, not just Christmas time. At Christmas everyone is in a giving mood, everyone's in good spirits, but people are hungry all the time. They're hungry for food, but they need everything, they need sanitary products and toiletries. they need everything, especially the youngsters.

Provost Jim Leishman, pictured with Sandra Beveridge, from Dunfermline Foodbank, backed the Christmas Toy Appeal, and is supporting our new campaign too. (Image: Jim Payne)

"They need a helping had at any time. I'm seeing more and more boxes and baskets for people to put a foodbank donation into, so that's great. If everyone gave something it would be super.

"The Press have been great at promoting this and keeping it going. Well done folks, keep it going, let's keep it going and let's keep thinking about others at this time."

Cllr Graeme Downie has also believes that this is important. The Scottish Labour councillor for the West Fife and Coastal Villages, said: “Once again the Dunfermline Press is showing the positive effect local newspapers can have by bringing together people in the community to help each other.

"We wish we were not in a situation where this kind of assistance was needed, but rises in prices, particularly of food, are continuing, and I would urge everyone who can to help in any way possible.

"Fifers have shown their generosity so often and will do so again. Thank you to the Dunfermline Press for organising this necessary initiative."

Councillors backing our campaign include, top, from left, clockwise, Auxi Barrera, Graeme Downie, James Calder and Aude Boubaker-Calder. (Image: Contributed)

Cllr Auxi Barrera, who represents Dunfermline North, also praised the appeal.

The SNP councillor said: "This is a such great initiative, foodbanks and larders deserve all the help that we can give them.

"The cost of living has hit us all, but the people that are really suffering it are those in low income and benefits, those that need to choose what they pay with their income. The current inflation rate is sitting over 10 per cent, according to the Office for National Statistics. The price of food and non-alcoholic beverages items rose by 16.9 per cent in the 12 months to December 2022.

"Only in my ward, Dunfermline North, the number of users of our local pantries have increased in a matter of a few months, which proves why it’s so important to keep helping and donating to foodbanks and larders.

"Back in September I did some fundraising through Kiltwalk and the funds went to Dunfermline Salvation Army Pantry, and it is admirable that the Dunfermline Press is doing something similar for our local Foodbank by giving out bags that can be filled with donations."

Scottish Liberal Democrat councillor for Dunfermline South, James Calder, commented: "I think it's really positive, the appeal at Christmas time was absolutely brilliant and I think it was really appreciated as well, a lot of people in the community really got behind it.

"Christmas is just one part of the year, but it's obviously a tough time for many families at the moment, the impact of the cost of living crisis is really hitting people and, from my perspective, as councillor and convener, anything people can do to help families and children from disadvantaged backgrounds is something that should be welcomed."

Councillor Aude Boubaker-Calder, Liberal Democrat representative for Dunfermline Central, added: "I'm really supporting it, especially as we're in a cost of living crisis. Some families are finding themselves, when they would not in normal times, having to use a foodbank.

"It's really sad seeing people arrive to that point but I think that it's a good thing that there is an appeal for tha,t and I hope that people will actually support and give food to the Foodbanks in solidarity. It's tough times for everybody."

To donate to the appeal, use your free donation bag and drop your donations off at the Dunfermline Foodbank, Unit 1C, Pitreavie Business Park, Dunfermline, KY11 8UN on a Monday, Wednesday or Friday, between 4pm and 6pm.