This year marks the 10th anniversary of the West Lothian Foodbank, which has spent the last decade providing compassion, guidance and expert support to people who had nowhere else to turn.
Since the foodbank was established in 2012/3, it has provided 32,055 food parcels to people within the local community.
And its service has never been more vital than now.
New figures from the Trussell Trust revealed that foodbanks in Scotland experienced their busiest six months on record for April to September as they provide 116,000 emergency food parcels in six months.
Some 40,000 parcels were provided for children between April and September 2022 – a 29 per cent increase on the previous year – the most parcels ever distributed for children by foodbanks in the Trussell Trust network.
West Lothian Foodbank relies on the generosity of its community, but the need for support is greater than ever as we enter the toughest ever winter.
A typical emergency food parcel consists of items such as cereal, tinned fruit and vegetables, canned meat and fish, tea, coffee, biscuits, UHT milk, pasta and rice.
Kathleen Neilly, Manager of West LothianFoodbank, said: “When you look back over the last 10 years it’s hard to believe we have provided over one million meals.
“I’m blown away with the generosity of our local people with food, money, and the time of our army of volunteers. We could not run without this support.
“I’m sad to say in recent months, the need for emergency food parcels is outstripping the number of donations we are receiving.
“This winter will be our toughest ever, but we will continue to support the people who need us.
“Everyone at West Lothian Foodbank is grateful to our local community for their generosity and we know as we get into winter the community will again rally around.”
Polly Jones, Head of the Trussell Trust in Scotland, thanked the army of volunteers who run the service.
She said: “West Lothian Foodbank has served its community with unwavering dedication for a decade.
“But ultimately, no one in Scotland should need a foodbank – all of us should have enough money for the essentials like food, clothing, and heating.
“Foodbanks wouldn’t exist without volunteers, and our volunteers are incredibly important to us. We could not continue the work we do without them and my thanks and gratitude go out to staff and volunteers, past and present, of West Lothian Foodbank.
“It never fails to amaze us how much time people are willing to give, and this has never been more apparent than during the past year.”
If you want to donate to the West Lothian Foodbank, or if you need an emergency food parcel go to https://westlothian.foodbank.org.uk
To find out more about the Trussell Trust go to trrusselltrust.org
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
