A rallying call has been issued to Fifers following news that Kirkcaldy Foodbank is at “real risk of closing” due to a lack of cash.
The warning comes less than a fortnight after The Courier revealed how volunteers were having to spend thousands of pounds each month to top up donations due to soaring demand in the area.
Sources have now suggested that the foodbank’s funds are at their lowest ever level, and it is understood there may only be enough money in the bank to keep the organisation going for another couple of months.
Organisers have now launched a new fundraising drive calling on Fifers to forgo a takeaway coffee once a week and instead donate the money to the foodbank which could help prevent hunger locally.
Hopes are high that at least 100 people will donate £10 a month via a bank standing order, which would give the foodbank a regular £1,000 stream to rely on each month and make its mission to feed those living in poverty a little easier.
Chairperson Ian Campbell stressed that Kirkcaldy Foodbank receives no government funding and is run entirely through donations and staffed by volunteers.
However, with current spending on food reaching £3,000 a month, it can be a struggle to feed all those in need, according Mr Campbell.
“The need for food parcels in Kirkcaldy has increased significantly since August 2016 — in fact, demand has doubled in a year,” he said.
“Without a regular income stream, Kirkcaldy Foodbank is at real risk of closing.”
Around 90 volunteers currently work with Kirkcaldy Foodbank, working at least 1,700 hours per month to meet the increasing demand.
The latest available figures suggest that nearly 280 children and 556 adults are fed every month, with 9,849 people using the foodbank last year compared with just 4,685 people in 2014-15.
Although foodbank volunteers help lots of people who are affected by benefits sanctions — for example when income is stopped, often for a minor reason — they also assist clients who are in employment, but don’t earn enough to support themselves or their families.
Further information on how people can support the foodbank Is available from www.kirkcaldyfoodbank.org.uk.
