THE increasing need for foodbanks is “morally unjustifiable”, says a county-based MSP, as latest figures show that demand at East Lothian Foodbank has never been greater.
Foodbank bosses are “not feeling optimistic” heading into the winter months as the cost-of-living crisis hits county families hard.
In total, 367 food parcels were handed out in September by the Tranent-based foodbank – a 40 per cent increase on the corresponding month last year.
These parcels fed 892 people, 37 per cent of whom were children.
And August saw the foodbank distribute more food parcels in a month than ever before: 434.
East Lothian Foodbank has already given out more food parcels in 2022 than the 3,113 issued in the whole of 2021.
Elaine Morrison, manager at East Lothian Foodbank, said: “We’re not feeling optimistic at the foodbank that things are going to get any better over the coming months.
“Demand is at an all-time high at the moment and if the trend continues it is only going to get worse during the winter.
“With the cost-of-living crisis the way it is at the moment we are continuing to see high volumes of people coming to us for help.
“We are also seeing an increase in demand for ‘no cook’ meals as people are being forced to avoid using cookers to save costs. We are considering whether we should give out blankets and fuel vouchers to help with the cost of things.”
The proposed fuel vouchers will offer financial support towards paying household energy bills.
East Lothian Foodbank is appealing to members of the public to donate food and other goods in order to help provide for those in need of donations.
Elaine said: “We appreciate any donations, no matter how small, because they all help.
“Even one can of beans or a tin of soup can make a huge difference and we would encourage anyone who can to please drop items off at their local donation points.
“In particular, we are always looking for long-life products like tinned beans, tinned fruit and veg, cans of meat, soup, long-life milk and juice.
"These are all things we are particularly keen to get.
“There are donation points in supermarkets and libraries across East Lothian where people can make their donations.”
Elaine felt more had to be done on a governmental level to help those most in need.
She said: “We would like to see an increase in benefits. This is not a lack of food problem, it’s a lack of income issue.
“We would support the uprating of benefits to take into account the cost of living and inflation.
“It seems that the burden is more on community groups to provide for people than on governments at the moment.”
READ MORE: East Lothian Foodbank use soars as cost-of-living crisis deepens
Martin Whitfield (Lab), MSP for South Scotland, said: “The ever-rising demand for assistance from foodbanks is morally unjustifiable.
“Last year the Scottish Government rightly consulted on proposals for a national plan to end the need for foodbanks.
“However, a year later the national plan has still not been finalised. Those facing food insecurity and poverty cannot wait any longer – they need additional assistance now.
“That said, until the extra help needed to end foodbanks is provided, I would urge the public to continue supporting the work of East Lothian Foodbank.
“Given the scale of the cost-of-living crisis, I understand this might include giving people fuel vouchers or blankets, which is, of course, terribly sad, but would help those in greatest need.”
County MSP Paul McLennan (SNP): “I am under no illusions that the worst for people in East Lothian is yet to come this winter.
“A tsunami is on its way for the most vulnerable in our county.
“This will, of course, cause an unprecedented number of families to be accessing foodbanks than has been seen in previous winters – an increased demand our foodbanks are having to use reserves to fulfil. We shouldn’t be in this position. The cost-ofliving crisis should never have been allowed to reach such a scale.
“We need a UK Government that will protect the poorest households in our society, not one which protects the bonuses of bankers. Instead, already stretched community-led support services are picking up the pieces. I’m already doing what I can in Parliament and locally to work with these services, and will continue to do so, to ease the pressure as many households as we can in East Lothian this winter.”
READ MORE: Record number of parcels given out by East Lothian Foodbank in the last month
Craig Hoy, a Conservative MSP for South Scotland, maintained that the UK Government was working to ease the pressure on people in the country.
Mr Hoy said: “The rise in foodbank use is deeply regrettable and reflects the impact of the global cost-of-living crisis.
“The UK Government have come forward with support for household energy bills, including a cap on average bills and up to £1,200 of additional support for vulnerable individuals and families.
“This should help to relieve the pressure on households in what are difficult times for many.”
While Kenny MacAskill (Alba), MP for East Lothian, called for an increase in state benefits to help those who need to use foodbanks.
He said: “Prices are rising, and poverty is biting. Benefits must rise at least in line with inflation but sadly it’s not just those out of work but those in work who are struggling. Energy costs and mortgage rises are going to hit hard.
“Foodbanks shouldn’t be required in a wealthy country such as energy rich Scotland, but they are as the UK Government is taking from the poor and giving to the rich.
“Those of us that can must seek to help the foodbank and other ventures in every way that we can.”
East Lothian Council recently launched a campaign offering advice to people on what benefits and financial support they are entitled to.
An East Lothian Council spokesperson said: “Over the winter we have committed almost £140,000 to support the important work being done in our communities to help individuals and families at this potentially difficult financial time, including funding for East Lothian Foodbank.
“We know that people will be worried about the increased cost of living and we will be continuing to work with partner agencies to deliver advice and support.”
Those who wish to donate to East Lothian Foodbank can do so at various Co-op stores across the county, at all East Lothian public libraries as well as at Tesco stores in East Lothian.
A list of donation points can be found on the foodbank’s website: eastlothian.foodbank.org.uk
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