More than 230 food parcels have been given out by Blairgowrie’s foodbank in the last year, the charity behind it has revealed.
Perth and Kinross Foodbank has said 732 people, including 338 children, have received support from the facility based in the town’s St Catherine’s Centre in the past 12 months.
The east Perthshire distribution hub was set up eight years ago this month and is staffed solely by volunteers.
A satellite of the Perth and Kinross Foodbank in Perth, the George Street premises offers a warm, friendly and non-judgemental service on Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Marjorie Clark is secretary of Perth and Kinross Foodbank management committee – which oversees the independent charity affiliated with the national network of foodbanks run by the Trussell Trust across the UK.
She said generous locals have donated 9.2 tonnes of food and other items in Blairgowrie throughout the last year.
Marjorie told the PA : “We provide short-term, three-day emergency food parcels of non-perishable, nutritionally-balanced foodstuffs to people in and around the local area who find themselves in food crisis.
“We also offer essential non-food items such as toiletries, sanitary products, household cleaning materials, baby items and pet food.
“Additionally, through an informal chat with users, we can offer effective signposting to other services that can give advice and practical support to reduce a need for longer foodbank use, so minimising dependency and helping people get back on their feet.”
Marjorie continued: “The foodbank operates on a voucher referral system and works with 90-plus agencies across Perth and Kinross who can identify people needing crisis food support and make a referral for a food parcel.
“These agencies include the Citizens’ Advice Bureau, housing associations, charities, health services and various Perth and Kinross Council departments.
“Our funding comes in large part from donations from the public and our partnership with Tesco.
“We remain very grateful for the continuing support that Blairgowrie foodbank receives from the local community and would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their ongoing generous donations throughout the year.
“This includes food donations made at the Tesco and Sainsbury’s in-store supermarket collection points in Blairgowrie, the special ‘Tesco 3-Day’ collections each year, as well as donations made through events organised by many of the surrounding churches, schools and other organisations as well as anonymous individual donations.”
Marjorie went on: “Over the past year, through your generous donation of 9.2 tonnes, Blairgowrie foodbank has been able to give out 234 food parcels, feeding 732 people, including 338 children.
“We are able to continue providing this necessary service because of people’s support and also that of our loyal volunteers.
“Thank you to everyone who contributes in any way.”
Blairgowrie’s foodbank is open from 10-11.30am on Tuesdays and 2.30-4pm on Thursdays.
