A FOOD charity based in Scotstoun has distributed 75 tonnes of food – the equivalent of 178,000 meals - to organisations helping vulnerable families.

FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland, which is run by Move On, have been continuing to fight hunger and food waste during the coronavirus crisis by redistributing food to charities, schools, housing associations, women’s refuse centres, mental health organisations and community centres.

Organisations then deliver home cooked meals to people’s front doors who are in isolation, experiencing food poverty or financial difficulty.

Charlene Best, marketing and communications officer, said: “Our warehouse, based on South Street, has more than doubled the volume of food we’re distributing in response to the increased demand during lockdown.

“Last week we distributed 75 tonnes of food, which is the equivalent to 178,575 meals.

“The demand for food is increasing right now especially with lockdown. More people are in a vulnerable position.

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“Some are now in financial difficulty. They have lost their job as a result of the pandemic or were on a zero hours contract.

“Others cannot get the benefits they are entitled to.

“Foodbanks are also low on supplies what with people panic buying so those who were already in a vulnerable position are struggling even more.

“These are challenging times for our staff and volunteers right now. We have had to adapt how we work in the warehouse and ensure social distancing rules are adhered to.

“We carry out temperature checks when someone enters the warehouse and encourage those who are or are living with someone experiencing Covid-19 symptoms to stay at home.”

In recent weeks FareShare have helped the Heart of Scotstoun, independent charity Flourish House and The Annexe, and DRC Youth Project.

As the pandemic goes on, they continue to support hostels, day centres, lunch clubs, addiction agencies, young people’s projects and refugee centres.

Free sanitary products are also continuing to be distributed.

To donate visit moveon.org.uk/fareshare.