EMERGENCY parcels of food have been given out more than ever before across West Fife during a year which brought economic hardship to families in our communities.

Data shows that 7,726 people were helped by Dunfermline Foodbank from April 2020 – March 2021; consisting of 4,751 adults and 2,968 children.

Although that's down on the previous year’s total, the foodbank gave away double the amount of food packages during the pandemic to make sure West Fife families had enough for a week’s supply of food.

With double the amount of stock gone to those in need, the foodbank is feeling the pinch, with the summer months also notoriously difficult for the foodbank to get the stock they need.

We want to help, so today we're asking Press readers to show your support.

All you need to do is fill the special appeal bag that has been included in today's edition of the paper. There's even some great tips on the bag on what items would be most appreciated so you'll have all you need to know when you go shopping.

Then drop off your donations at the many collection points across West Fife (see left).

Alternatively, you can also donate financially by checking out our GoFundMe page: https://www.gofundme.com/f/dunfermline-foodbank-appeal?utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1

Proceeds raised will be given to the foodbank so volunteers can buy items needed.

Press editor Simon Harris said: "The Press is there for the communities we are proud to serve and this appeal will help families on our own doorstep.

"Our readers were incredibly generous when we ran a similar toy appeal in the run-up to Christmas and I know they will demonstrate the tremendous community spirit that exists in West Fife by backing this appeal as well."

John Thompson, Dunfermline Foodbank administrator, said: "The Dunfermline Foodbank is a voluntary organisation that supplies food to people who are in poverty and those who we help are usually the poorest in society.

"We are truly humbled by the generosity of people in West Fife. Even during the lockdown, we were still getting donations in but the need is still there.

"If anything, it's growing so we need regular supplies.

"If people prefer, they can donate financially but our prime aim is to give out food items that have been brought in.

"Money can be used to pay for the delivery van and any food that we are short of but most of our expenses are covered by charity funds.

"So any money given will be going straight to where it is needed, not on our offices."

The Trussell Trust’s excellent app as well as their website tells people exactly what items Dunfermline Foodbank is in urgent need of – just search 'Foodbank' in the app store.

"Medium to long-term food is the best to donate so it lasts a wee while," John said.

"So tinned goods and long-life milk are some of the items which I'd recommend.

"Over the holidays, we help a number of out-of-school clubs that provide healthy meals for kids.

"We share the food to make sure kids are not missing out on a meal they would normally get in school, so it goes straight to the coal face as it were."

The Press has been able to launch this appeal thanks to the generosity of local businesses who have sponsored the campaign; AH Fireplace Installations Ltd, Basten Sneddon Solicitors and Gleaner Ltd.

John added: "It's totally humbling that businesses are helping out in this way because it has been a tough year for them.

"We are so grateful for it. We've had tremendous support.

"This is a really helpful campaign because we always have a drop in stock over the summer as people go on holiday but the demand is still there because of the lack of school meals.

"We are running short on goods then we'll start picking up again when it gets to the harvest festival so anything that can keep us going up until them will be most welcome."

The Dunfermline Foodbank umbrella comprises five centres across Fife, including Dunfermline, Inverkeithing, Rosyth, Benarty and Cowdenbeath.

https://www.dunfermlinepress.com/foodbank-appeal/