The shocking levels of deprivation have this week been highlighted by West Dunbartonshire Community Food Share, which is a lifeline service for struggling individuals and families in the area.

Food Share volunteers revealed that people have been returning tinned meats, pasta, soups and other foods as they are unable to pay for gas or electricity to power their homes.

The group, which hands food out to impoverished families in Clydebank, Dumbarton and Renton every week, says it is creating ‘kettle boxes’ in the New Year to help address the problem. The boxes will be filled with foods such as Cup-a-Soups which only require hot water to prepare.

It is hoped neighbours will be able to provide a flask of hot water for those in need.

Susan Kelly, who heads up West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare, said: “We became aware of the problem because people were bringing food back as they were unable to cook it. They were bringing back tins of food because they didn’t have the gas to cook it.

“The idea behind the kettle boxes is a friend, family member or neighbour fills the kettle and they can use that. We want things like pasta in a mug, pot noodles and cup a soups that can go with bread that’s donated by the supermarket.” Hoping the kettle box scheme proves successful, Susan added: “In these areas people do know their neighbours, the communities are becoming more aware of what’s happening and more and more people are wanting to help, even if they can’t give donations.

“Boiling the kettle is a big help. These neighbours will know who is in need of support.” News of the kettle boxes come as both the foodshare group and Drumchapel Food Bank confirm increased demand in January, dubbing it the toughest month yet.

Susan explained Christmas had put financial pressure on already struggling families, but said the increased use of sanctioning to remove people’s benefits was causing grave concern.

She said: “We are starting to find that people use the service weekly and that’s more because of sanctions and because the food bank is their only source of food. Benefits are paid every two weeks and typically people would have one week here. Obviously because they are sanctioned they are getting nothing so they are coming every week as opposed to every two weeks.” Currently Sainsbury’s in Drumchapel supports West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare as its chosen charity of the year but that ends in March and Susan is keen to hear from other Clydebank businesses who are able to help.

“We welcome other businesses, anyone that’s interested in supporting us, to get in touch,” she said.

People can make contact with Susan by emailing k.susan63@yahoo.co.uk