A Castle Douglas food bank has moved to bigger and better premises as demand for its services rockets.
But Stepping Stones has only relocated round the corner – from King Street to St Andrew Street.
The new HQ will help staff and volunteers expand their much-needed work for the community.
Food bank volunteer Keith Heron, a Castle Douglas Development Forum trustee, said: “Sadly use of the food bank has more than doubled since last year.
“Everyone is finding it difficult to make ends meet with the cost of living crisis we are going through.
“We are therefore expanding our range of services over the next few months with the appointment of an outreach worker as well as a new food bank manager.
“Together with the new premises this feels like a new start for the Stepping Stones Food Bank.”
The move to 9 St Andrew’s Street will allow the food bank to progress vital new initiatives – including a food pantry and community larder system.
Both have the aim of reducing stigma, promoting independence and fostering a sense of contribution among those using the service.
Meanwhile, Mr Heron thanked all involved in helping with big flit – which was a major logistical operation.
He said: “I’m very grateful to everyone who pulled together over the weekend to make sure that our move to St Andrew Street was a success.
“We were able to operate as normal on Monday morning, supplying food to people in Castle Douglas without any interruption to our services.
“Volunteers from the food bank worked together with a crew from the Men’s Shed and others from the wider community to make it all possible.”
Mr Heron added: “Most importantly of all I would like to thank everyone who continues to make donations – particularly to our collection baskets at the Co-op and Tesco. There are children in Castle Douglas who would be going hungry if it wasn’t for people’s generosity.”
Anyone wishing to donate items for the food bank can do so directly at the food bank, or at the Tesco and Co-op drop off points.
Stepping Stones Food Bank is open from 10am to 12noon on a Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
The team can be contacted on 07730 788 335 or via email at steppingstones@castledouglas.info
