EAST Lothian Foodbank is urgently seeking new premises as the charity faces unprecedented pressure, with the number of people accessing its service expected to surge this winter.

The foodbank, which operates from the former Tranent library on the town’s Civic Square, has served the county for 11 years, providing emergency food parcels and financial inclusion services.

The foodbank distributed more than 12,300 emergency food parcels in East Lothian during 2022/23, over a third of these (4,491) going to children.

In 2022/23, foodbanks throughout Scotland distributed more than 250,000 emergency food parcels.

Donations of food have not kept up with demand and the gap between what is coming in to East Lothian Foodbank, which is run by the Trussell Trust, and what is being distributed is widening.

The charity says the volume of demand means it has now outgrown its current council-owned home and it is seeking new premises.

'Worst winter on record'

Elaine Morrison, East Lothian Foodbank manager, said: “We don’t want to be here forever but, while we are needed, we will do all we can for our community. We are looking for something that is roughly double the size of our current facility. Preferably in the west of the county, as that is where we are in most demand.”

“We’d like somewhere close to the A1 with parking on site. We understand that this is a big ask, and we know storage spaces are limited. We have been in discussions with the council and are hopeful of finding a place that is at an affordable price.

“We want to save as much of our money as possible to provide food; we can’t afford large overhead costs. Ideally we are looking for some help from the public.”

Mrs Morrison said that, while a new facility was being sought, the current one would remain open – although it is closed until Monday to get ready for the winter period.

The foodbank manager also highlighted the need for donations.

She said: “We are facing the worst winter on record, without enough space to store the food we have, and not enough food to make up all the emergency food parcels we need to; but we will continue to work tirelessly so no one in East Lothian goes hungry.

“Whether you could provide a warehouse or a tin of soup, or anything in between, we want to hear from you and we will be thankful for your kindness and generosity.”

'Incredibly concerning'

Kenny MacAskill, East Lothian’s MP, said: “It would be nice to think that the foodbank was the victim of its own success as its work has been outstanding. However, the reality is that it’s a sign of the appalling price so many are paying for enforced austerity.

“Larger and better premises is good in some ways but indicative of the dire state we are in.”

East Lothian MSP Paul McLennan said it was “incredibly concerning” to see continued soaring demand for food parcels in East Lothian.

“I keep regular contact with East Lothian Foodbank, and have a visit planned for later this month. I offer any support I can give in their efforts to seek a larger premises,” he added.

“Thank you to all the volunteers for the amazing work they do daily, and to everyone who has donated, please continue to do so.”

Martin Whitfield, South Scotland MSP, added: “The fact that the foodbank has outgrown its current premises underlines the significant and increasing demand it continues to experience.

“As long as the need continues in our communities, I will always support the foodbank.”

Fellow South Scotland MSP Craig Hoy added: “It is very concerning to learn of the rising demand for foodbanks in East Lothian. East Lothian Foodbank is an invaluable service and I would encourage those in need of support during the ongoing cost-of-living crisis to reach out for support.”

The foodbank is running low on tinned fruit, potatoes, soup, long-life fruit juice and squash, rice pudding or custard, and pasta sauce. Donations can be made to the facility on Civic Square.

Anyone who believes they may have premises that could become the organisation’s new home can email manager@eastlothian.foodbank.org.uk