AN appeal is being launched by the Barrhead News today in a bid to make sure no-one in East Renfrewshire goes hungry this Christmas.

We are teaming up with East Renfrewshire Foodbank to ask our generous readers to spare a thought for those who will be struggling to make ends meet this festive season.

You can play your part by donating items such as cereal, tinned meat, coffee and UHT milk.

And the need for help has never been greater, with foodbank bosses already noting a sharp rise of around 20 per cent in the amount of supplies being handed out in recent weeks following the introduction of Universal Credit in the local area.

Stan Esson, warehouse manager at East Renfrewshire Foodbank, told the Barrhead News:

“Due to the increased demand, we have found ourselves having to use our reserve supplies.

“The donations we have received from the public have been brilliant but we can no longer keep up with the demand.”

East Renfrewshire Foodbank was established in 2013 and is supported by the Trussell Trust.

It exists primarily to provide assistance and three days’ worth of nutritionally-balanced food to local people in poverty or crisis.

Volunteers have also given talks at local schools to raise awareness of the struggles of people in poverty.

Between April and the end of September this year, East Renfrewshire Foodbank recorded a 10 per cent increase in the number of emergency packages being handed out, with 1,400 going to adults and a further 566 to children.

The Trussell Trust – a charity which co-ordinates local foodbanks – believes the rise in demand is due to people struggling with issues such as the rollout of Universal Credit, insecure work and a reduction in the help available from councils.

The festive season is a busy time for foodbank volunteers as many cash-strapped parents struggle to cope with the pressure of buying gifts for their kids and putting food on the table.

By donating food for our festive appeal, readers will be helping the team at East Renfrewshire Foodbank provide vital support – both now and beyond Christmas.

Mr Esson added: “The public have been terrific but we are getting to the stage where we need to prepare to meet the extra demand.

“Any support we receive is vital in ensuring people don’t go hungry this Christmas.”
The foodbank is currently in need of a whole host of supplies. Other than tea, soup, pasta and baked beans, stocks are low.