AN area foodbank is in crisis with empty shelves as dozens of residents need emergency aid.

Drumchapel Foodbank said they helped 70 clients last week and after their Tuesday drop-in they have been running on empty.

They are already expecting 57 people this coming Tuesday and get another 13 to 20 emergency referrals each week.

Liz Atkinson, manager of the foodbank, said more residents were suffering from benefit sanctions and marital breakdowns because of the pressures on them.

The school holidays are also increasing demand and the foodbank is concerned they are struggling so early into the summer break.

She said: "After the Tuesday drop-in, our cells are absolutely empty. We have seen an increase in people being sanctioned. The increase in sanctions and quite a few recent marital breakdowns from the pressure of living. People are struggling right now.

"We only deal with people who have no money. It's just life right now."

In one case, a resident attending the foodbank had their benefits stopped because they didn't attend a training course they were never notified about. Another had just had her a baby and her benefits have yet to start.

The foodbank spends about £300 a week buying items such as eggs, butter, fruit, veg and yogurts and treats for children a family gets a balance of goods. It also provides enough for a week, rather than shorter supplies.

Liz told the Post they need the following items:

  • tinned soups (tomato/chicken/veg/assorted)
  • tinned custard
  • tinned rice pudding
  • tinned meals (ie. mac n cheese/curry/minced beef/stew)
  • tinned vegetables (potatoes/carrots/peas)
  • tinned baked beans
  • tinned spaghetti/spaghetti hoops/spaghetti bolognese
  • Frey Bentos Pies
  • teabags
  • tinned meat (ham/corned beef/pork)
  • tinned meat balls
  • tinned hot dogs
  • biscuits
  • tinned tuna/fish
  • cereal
  • porridge
  • shampoo
  • feminine hygiene products
  • toothpaste

Donations can be made to Unit 9, 15 Ladyloan Place, G15 8LB between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Anyone wishing to help is asked to save up their items for Monday to help the foodbank prepare for their Tuesday run.

Bill Kidd MSP appealed for residents to help out.

He said: “I was shocked that Drumchapel Foodbank was under pressure so early in the summer but unfortunately not surprised that it would be facing a crisis regarding continuing the level of assistance they have so far stalwartly achieved.

"I was aware that the numbers of people using the service are increasing due to a number of factors: the closure of the Maryhill foodbank had led to more referrals as people try desperately to feed themselves and their families, the school summer holidays and families trying to fit in an extra meal into budgets already under pressure, the general pressures in an area that is trying desperately to shake off the many years that the city administration has paid them lip service have all contributed.

"Unfortunately food banks are now a safety net that are necessary due to continual attacks on benefits by a Westminster government that is either so far removed it is out of touch, or unforgivably just don’t care."