A West Dunbartonshire foodbank will receive more than £55,000 in funding over the next three years to support families struggling with the cost of living.
The council will support West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare by handing it £18,403 annually for the next three years from the Dumbarton Common Good Fund.
The cash will be used to cover rental costs for the charity’s Dumbarton premises and help with running costs.
The decision was agreed at a corporate services committee meeting last week.
Manager Clair Coyle said the funding would make a real difference, commenting: “We would like to thank the council for this vital support that will make a real difference to the many families we support.
“Knowing our rent and running costs are covered over the next three years will give us peace of mind and enable us to focus on continuing to provide our much-needed services for all residents across West Dunbartonshire.”
The charity offers support to residents experiencing the effect of poverty by offering emergency food supplies, holiday brunch bags and also runs a school uniform bank.
It also collects and delivers presents for a Christmas toy bank ensuring local children have presents to open on Christmas Day each year.
Families also attend cooking and growing sessions organised by the charity and are signposted to support agencies for further support.
Councillor Daniel Lennie, convener of corporate services, said: “I recognise the critical role that foodbanks play in supporting our residents and I’m delighted this funding was approved.
“This group has been a lifeline for residents who rely on groups like this for the important and essential services they provide.
“I’m sure this money will make a positive impact on the lives of those in our community who are struggling, particularly during these challenging times.”
The local authority also committed £1,000 every week to support West Dunbartonshire foodbanks.
The additional £52,000 of funding will help buy food items to supplement donations from the public and businesses.
The council has also invested £1m to help community organisations with their cost of living initiatives.
They include the creation of a household energy fund of £250,000 and a partnership with major energy suppliers to ensure residents experiencing significant levels of fuel poverty receive support and early intervention to maintain their utility supply.
Families can also use West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust for free swimming and gym sessions for school pupils during the school holidays.
Councillor Michelle McGinty, vice convener of corporate services and chair of the council’s cross-party Cost of Living Working Group, said: “This money will help ease the financial burden on the great work carried out by this group, which is clearly making a difference to the lives of many residents across West Dunbartonshire.
“I am delighted that we are able to financially support these efforts and I would like to thank them for their continued hard work.”
