KIND-HEARTED readers have donated around 500kg in essentials to the Dunfermline Foodbank during the Press Appeal.

The donations, which roughly equate to 500 meals, were generously donated by members of the public in our free paper bags that were included in the paper in March.

Stagecoach backed the appeal and at the time the East Scotland managing director, Douglas Robertson, said: "We're honoured to be a sponsor for this appeal, which aims to ensure no one goes hungry in these extremely challenging times.

"Local communities are at the heart of everything we do, and we're very proud to serve Fife."

While a whopping 500 meals were donated during the appeal they are facing more hungry Fifers than ever and are still in need of stock.

Dunfermline Press: Press readers donated around 500kg of goods to the foodbank - but so much more is needed.Press readers donated around 500kg of goods to the foodbank - but so much more is needed. (Image: NQ Staff)

Sandra Beveridge, the Dunfermline Foodbank project manager, said: "This time the food appeal didn't go nearly as well as the Toy Appeal at Christmas. It could just be the time of year and I think everybody is feeling the pinch but no, it didn't go as well as we had hoped.

"Our stock levels are well down and figures that are coming in for the year suggest that we've fed almost 2,000 people extra than last year. At the moment it's really difficult and its very hard times, trying to get stock in and keep people fed with the numbers that are coming in. This is the worst I've ever seen it.

"We understand the cost of living crisis is now hitting everyone hard with the cost of food at its highest but even donating one can per person per week can make such a difference.

For those who can help the Foodbank in these unprecedented times and help donate tinned foods including meat, fish, potatoes, vegetables, long life milk, coffee and tea, sugar, Mug Shots or Cuppa Soups, should drop them off at the Foodbank’s Warehouse at Unit 1C, Pitreavie Business Park, Dunfermline, on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between 4pm and 6pm.

Alternatively, the Foodbank operates permanent collection points in the local Tesco and Asda stores, so donations can also be made there.

Dunfermline Press: