The impact of the cost of living crisis on many people in Dunfermline and West Fife, and throughout the country, hasn't been lost on local businesses.

Over the years, companies in the area have enjoyed the custom and support of local people.

So with some of those people now falling on hard times, businesses who have perhaps benefitted from their custom in the past are now stepping up to give something back.

The sponsors of the Dunfermline Press Foodbank Appeal 2024 all have a strong sense of community responsibility.

So they recognise the need to make the effort to support the foodbank, and its thousands of clients struggling to make ends meet.

Dunfermline Press:

Andrew Allan, of Andrew Allan Architecture, said it was "eye opening" seeing around the foodbank warehouse, and realising just how many people are in need of help.

"We want to try to give back as much as possible to the local community," he said. "So anything we can do to help, I am fully behind."

Dunfermline Press:

Douglas Robertson, managing director of Stagecoach East Scotland, echoed those sentiments, adding: "We’ve got a couple hundred members of staff in Dunfermline, and they all come from these communities, so we’re giving something back to the communities where we all live and work, and I think that’s a great thing."

Dunfermline Press:

Tracy Brogan, of TechnipFMC, who are backing the Dunfermline Press Community Champion Awards as well as the foodbank appeal, commented: "We like to get involved in the local community through our corporate social responsibility team, and we’re keen to make a difference."

Dunfermline Press:

James McCreadie & Sons are a small family-run business in Dunfermline, trading for over 50 years, and in that time they have supported various local causes.

“When we were approached about the foodbank appeal, we were more than happy to offer our support," said Colin McCreadie. "No person or family in this day and age should be left to go hungry."

Dunfermline Press:

Kent is an international company with links all over the world, but has string links in Dunfermline, so it is proud to support thr local community through the foodbank appeal.

Andrew Firth said: "We are happy to help those in need, and we hope that everyone who can gives this appeal the greatest measure of support.”

Dunfermline Press:

Derek Murray, of Gray & Adams (Dunfermline), another long-established family-run business, added: "We’re delighted to be associated with such a great cause. The positive contribution which foodbanks make on hard-pressed families and individuals cannot be underestimated, especially in today’s difficult economic climate.

"We would encourage all those with the means to do so to support this worthy cause."

As in previous years, the Press is launching an annual foodbank appeal, calling on our readers, if they can, to support those less fortunate than themselves by making a donation.

The foodbank welcomes donations of money, big or small, as every gift helps transform lives. And of course, donations of food and toiletries are always greatly appreciated.

To encourage more donations, we're giving Press readers the chance to do their bit too.

We'll be including a donations bag in our paper on March 29, which we hope readers will fill with goods for the foodbank. It can then be dropped off at our Pitreavie office or one of the foodbank's drop-off points which can be found on the website https://dunfermline.foodbank.org.uk. There are donation points in Dunfermline, Dalgety Bay, Inverkeithing, Rosyth and Oakley.