News / Foodbank rises to the challenge
Numbers of people using Shetland Foodbank reached their highest ever monthly rate between January and May this year when more that 70 parcels per month were distributed.
According to Shetland Foodbank manager David Grieve the local foodbank is rising to the challenge thanks to generous and widespread support from all corners of Shetland and is still able to meet this growing demand for its support.
Recently the foodbank received donations from different individuals and groups including a recent donation from Shetland Needleworkers who raised over £770 to support the work of the foodbank.
Their cheque was presented to foodbank manager David Grieve by Christine Henderson and Helen Burgess.
Grieve said: “The foodbank wants to thank everyone who donates cash or food items to ensure it is still able to support those in our community who face going hungry.”
He added: “You don’t have to organise a special event in order to offer your support to Shetland Foodbank. Between Friday 15 and Sunday 17 June all you need to do is drop into Tesco where you will be given the chance to donate an item of food to the Foodbank.
“If you have a little more time to spare that weekend then you can help Foodbank volunteers in store to sort and pack the donated food. If you are able to lend a hand then please see our Facebook page for more information”. https://www.facebook.com/Shetland-Foodbank-905238629610418/
The Shetland situation is reflected more widely throughout Scotland. Annual figures from the Trussell Trust for Scotland overall show a 17 per cent increase on the previous year.
When the annual figures were released last month, director for Scotland at the Trussell Trust Tony Graham, said: “In Scotland we expect no one should be left hungry or destitute – illness, disability, family breakdown or the loss of a job could happen to any of us, and we owe it to each other to make sure sufficient support is in place when we need it most”.
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