Perth food bank concerned about expected increase in winter demand

City centre hub is appealing for donations as the busiest time of year approaches..

Perth and Kinross Foodbank is bracing itself for a surge in demand during the winter months.

Winter is always the busiest time at the foodbank, but an increase in uptake is expected in the coming months due to the scrapping of the Winter Fuel Payment for pensioners.

So far during 2023/2024, the foodbank in Perth’s York Place has distributed 80,109kg of food, feeding 7,739 people across every council ward in Perth and Kinross.

The foobank however is concerned that year-on-year donations have declined and is appealing for more assistance.

Perth and Kinross Foodbank project manager Lori Hughes said: “We need urgent action on hunger in the UK. People are being pushed to the brink because they simply don’t have enough money to live on. Foodbanks are a lifeline but not the long-term solution.

“We are committed to stand side by side with local individuals, families and communities to provide emergency food and practical support during their hardest moments.

“During 2023/2024, we distributed 80,109kg of food, feeding 7,739 people across every political ward in Perth and Kinross.

“Donation levels are down somewhat, and the team are facing the challenge of how to replenish our warehouse ahead of the busiest months. If you are in a position to support, we would be extremely grateful.”

The foodbank was visited by Perth and Kinross-shire MP Pete Wishart recently who praised staff for their dedication.

He said: “Across the UK, food insecurity is becoming an increasingly urgent crisis, and it was clear from the foodbank’s data that Perth and Kinross is no exception.

“In 2023/24, they fed more people than the equivalent of the entire population of Crieff. This year is expected to be even busier, all the whilst they are grappling with a downturn in donations.

“It is a national disgrace for this to be the reality in 2024, and the responsibility lies with politicians to sort it out. I am committed to playing my part, firstly by continuing to oppose austerity measures in parliament, like the scrapping of the Winter Fuel Payment and the retainment of the two-child benefit cap.

“But the grim reality is that this is an issue which is predicted to get worse in the immediate future, and it is clear that these services need more support on the ground, in addition to bold policy change.

“I would therefore encourage anyone who is in a position to donate - no matter how small – to consider doing so. Time and time again, the people of Perth and Kinross have proven to be extraordinarily generous in times of crisis, and I have no doubt that local communities will come together once again to help those struggling to put food on the table this winter.”

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