Clackmannanshire food banks struggle to feed the masses

Food poverty has risen so much in Clackmannanshire that the two food banks that have been established are already being inundated with requests for help. The Herald reported in November 2014 that the increased numbers are due to delays and changes to benefit payments.

While politicians clammer for more to be done, the volunteers that receive, sort and distribute donated food items work tirelessly to serve lower income Scots. Many people simply run out of money after paying all the bills. They just don’t have anything left to buy food with.

To meet this growing need, community organisations and their volunteers have created a couple of food banks.

• Gate Enterprises opened The Gate food bank in 2010. This free service redistributes donated food items to local residents dealing with hunger. The Gate is characterised by flexibility in how it serves clients. Aid is often provided on the same day that a request is received. Instead of the normal one-size fits all approach that is common with Trussell Trust affiliated organisations, this location frequently tailors the donation parcel to meet the needs of the family. This adjustment is made with the understanding that children may have different dietary needs than those of their adult parents. There are also changes in the contents for households who do not have the ability to cook meals. Those parcels may favour dry cereals and other foods that do not need to be heated. In addition to picking up a food hamper, clients are encouraged to share a warm meal. A free hot lunch is provided twice a week through The Soup Pot project, which is also made available by The Gate. The charity is run from the church halls at Alloa Ludgate Church. Enquiries may be answered by the office on 01259 218766. The Gate is affiliated with Crisis Food Bank.
• The women’s organisation Sauchie Active 8 also operates a food bank. This entity is operated through an association with Women in Sport and Health (WISH). So many of the services run by the organisation are designed to help women become more self-sufficient. Services include exercise and nutrition as well as other life skills training. It is a support network, where all of the people that come together support each other as they improve their situation and reach their own personal goals. The food bank is a part of that process, helping to ensure that the nutritional needs of everyone can be met. This is a drop-in food bank that is typically open once a week, currently on Friday afternoons. Clients are encouraged to call ahead on 01259 215972 to confirm the opening times. Sauchie Hall is located on Mar Place.

These two distribution centres work to eradicate food poverty in Scotland. Clackmannanshire Council supports the efforts of these volunteers and can provide direct referrals for those who need more than one source of aid. Anyone who is struggling to meet all of household expenses should make contact to ease the burden of living on such a restricted income. This is especially true if children or Seniors are present in the household, since they should not be made to go hungry.