ALMOST a fifth of people who received emergency packages from the Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank during September had never used a food bank before.

Figures revealed in the latest newsletter from the local organisation illustrate the harsh reality of the current economic crisis as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic continues to bite hard in communities.

More than 200 bags of supplies were issued to individuals and families throughout September, supporting 248 adults and 79 children. The statistics mark an increase of a quarter in the number of people attending compared to the same period last year.

The food bank’s chairperson Mary McGinley praised residents and businesses for their continued donations but expressed sadness at the rise in clients.

Writing in the newsletter, she said: “Unfortunately this reflects the challenges facing those on low incomes, those whose hours have been reduced and the unemployed.

“We continue to offer a drop-in food bank service three times each week in Helensburgh Red Cross Hall and once a week at the Howie Pavilion in Rosneath.

READ MORE: Lockdown sees spike in Helensburgh food bank use as pandemic bites

“Due to Covid restrictions we can only offer a walkthrough give and go food service rather than the café-type service we offered prior to Covid.

“As we are no longer permitted to provide teas and coffees or to sit down and have a one-to-one conversation with each person who attends we are missing this important social support side of our service.

“We still provide a warm welcome and a friendly word to all who attend and know that many of those who attend experience significant social isolation and may also have worries about money and other concerns.”

Earlier this year the Advertiser reported that demand for food parcels in the area rose by almost a third during lockdown, with around 1,200 food bags handed out between February and July.

Whilst referencing the recent growth in demand, Ms McGinley also highlighted some more positive news in the monthly update.

READ MORE: Behind the scenes as Helensburgh's food bank volunteers battle through pandemic

She said: “We recently had the contents of our basic bag of food reviewed by a student dietician from the University of Dundee, who, following detailed analysis, was able to report that our existing food bag provides a well-balanced nutritious range of food and is sufficient to meet dietary requirements.

“While none of us would like to have to rely mainly on tinned food including tinned meat, fish, vegetables, soup and beans and would find it unappetising, it is good to know that our bag of food meets basic nutritional needs.

“Since our last newsletter all of our volunteers have undertaken an individual ‘Covid age’ risk assessment which has led to a number of volunteers who were shielding being able to return to the food bank as their self assessment has taken them out of the higher risk category.

“Thank you to all volunteers for completing their risk assessment and welcome back to those who have been able to return. It’s good to have you back.

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“To those who are unable to return you are still very much part of Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank, we appreciate your ongoing support and hope that you will be able to return before too long.

"Thanks also to those volunteers who have been able to work throughout Covid either at the food bank and food store or in the background managing administrative tasks.”

Mary also welcomed the success of the Helensburgh Community Hall group in securing the purchase of the Red Cross facility in East Princes Street, which is home to the food bank’s Helensburgh operations.

The group was awarded a £160,000 grant from the Scottish Land Fund - covering 95 per cent of the buy-out cost - while it will also receive £41,000 from Argyll and Bute Council’s share of the Scottish Government’s Town Centre Capital fund.

For more information on the food bank, visit helensburghlomondfoodbank.org or check out the initiative's Facebook page.

READ MORE: Catch up with all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines here