The failure to establish a major foodbank project in Glenrothes could see some children go hungry on a daily basis, according to a leading community figure.
Mary Hill, director of the Glenrothes YMCA-YWCA, also said that the number of local families going hungry will only increase in the near future, as many continue to be affected by the economic climate.
It comes as the organisation seeks £19,000 of funding from the town’s local area committee in order to establish a coordinated project in the area.
Mrs Hill says that without support, struggling people in Glenrothes will continue to go hungry unless a major foodbank can be established.
“I think a lot of children will go hungry on a daily basis,” she said.
“Some families are finding it extremely difficult in the current climate and we are doing everything we can to help.”
Asked what shape such a project would take, she added: “It’s about emergency support. It’s not just food but a place where people can get help.”
There has been a significant increase in the number of people seeking food aid, with the YMCA in Glenrothes predicting a 62% increase in the number of parcels distributed in 2013/14 compared with last year.
As well as those seeking help for themselves, the organisation is also receiving referrals from the council’s social work department and other groups dealing with vulnerable people.
The YMCA has offered a form of foodbank in the town in the past 10 years, while local churches and charities like the Salvation Army also provide assistance to those in need of food.
However, establishing a coordinated project has become essential to meet increased demand, with the overall cost estimated at just over £42,000 for the first year.
Funding from the Big Lottery fund has been designated on the condition that the remaining money can be found, with funds to be sought from the local area committee at Wednesday’s meeting.
Meanwhile, the latest Trussell Trust foodbank in Fife has been launched in Levenmouth.
Local churches teamed up to help people in crisis who are unable to afford basic provisions, with the new foodbank at Methil’s Evangelical Church officially launched.
Foodbank convener Alison Nelson said: “How the foodbank works under the Trussell Trust is on a referral basis. We don’t just give food out to anybody, but are working in line with other professionals.
“The foodbank is not there to support chaotic living. It’s for crisis management. The guidelines are that a person would only need to use a foodbank three times in a six-month period, and that would cover things like benefit sanctions or if someone lost their job and was waiting to get their benefits sorted.
“Every bit of food we have just now was given by a member of the public and we have a responsibility to make sure that food goes to who needs it most.
“Levenmouth is one of the most deprived areas in Scotland.
We did research, contacted other professionals, including social workers and healthcare professionals, and really felt this could provide a service in the community.”