A GLASGOW food bank is sending out “frightening” numbers of parcels, having hit record figures in a single week.
St Gregory’s Food Bank (SGFB) in the Maryhill area of the city sent out 332 food bags in the first week of December alone to more than 900 adults and children.
The food bank is on track to hand out almost 15,500 bags of help during 2024 – a rapid rise of 33% compared to last year.
More people than ever are being driven to food banks amid the ongoing cost of living crisis and the sharp increase in people needing help is outstripping food donations.
St Gregory’s RC Church parish priest Allan Cameron said the numbers of people turning to the cause for help is becoming “frightening”.
“There is a strong probability that, being open five mornings per week, that we are among the busiest foodbanks in Glasgow,” he said.
“The increasing numbers of people coming for help is frightening. Without our volunteers and supporters, where would all these people get the help they so desperately need?”
Unlike many food banks, SGFB does not require a referral or any paperwork to be filled in. Anyone who needs help will receive help and service users are entitled to one bag per week.
Service users fall into one of three categories: those with no recourse to public funds (asylum seekers and those sanctioned by benefit agencies), single people of all ages experiencing physical, social or mental health issues, and working families with children who are struggling to make ends meet.
Worryingly, SGFB says working families with children make up the majority of service users.
The value of each bag that SGFB distributes is around £10.75.
SGFB – which is independent and run by volunteers – tries to supply meat, cheese and eggs with basic bags along with fresh fruit and vegetables, and goodie bags for children. Demand is also strong for items like nappies and pet food.
Other household cleaning items and personal hygiene items are available on request.
To find out more about the food bank, click here.
