PEOPLE IN MORAY are being urged to get behind the local effort to ensure that families who will struggle to feed their children this summer are given as much help as possible.
Community Food Moray is highlighting the Tesco Neighbourhood Food Collection which, with the support of partner charities the Trussell Trust and FareShare, is organised twice each year – with the latest effort running from today until Saturday.
Through their Moray Foodbank, Community Food Moray has helped thousands of struggling individuals and families – now they are seeking public support for the collection which will operate from Tesco stores in Elgin, Forres and Keith.
“I think the statistics speak for themselves – food insecurity is an increasing problem for people in Moray,” Kathy Ross, chair of the Moray Foodbank, said.
Kathy continued: “This can affect anyone at any time – a redundancy, bereavement or unexpected bill when budgeting on a low wage, even the school holidays when children are unable to access school meals, can push people into crisis, and having to make choices about how to get by.
“Referral to a foodbank still carries a stigma for many, and I’m sure that there are particular groups that we need to continue to try to reach.
“The Tesco Neighbourhood food collection gives us a great opportunity to publicise our work, to hopefully connect with people to reduce stigma, and of course to say a huge thank you to all who support the foodbank throughout the year.
“The work of the Moray Foodbank can only continue because of the unfailing generosity of the Moray community. The food, money and time people give, and particularly the contribution of our foodbank volunteers who work tirelessly on behalf of others is inspiring and humbling.”
All donations made at the Moray stores are retained to support those in need in Moray – goods are distributed via the Foodbank and this year donations of toiletries, pasta sauces, tinned meats, surar and tinned desserts are particularly welcome.
Through the foodbank Community Food Moray provides parcels containing three days’ supply of emergency food to people referred by frontline professionals – Health Visitors, Housing Association Assistants and Social Workers.
In the last financial year Moray Foodbank saw an increase in foodbank provision to 1013 parcels feeding 1871 people. Referrals came from 44 local agencies, with low income, benefit changes and homelessness being reported as the main reasons for individuals requiring a food parcel.