LOCAL MSPS COMMEND VOLUNTEERS AND HIGHLIGHT SHORTAGES ON VISIT TO FOODBANK
Published date : 13 Sep 2016
Jenny Gilruth MSP and David Torrance MSP this week visited the Levenmouth Foodbank in Methil to see first-hand the work done by volunteers at the Foodbank and to hear from organisers the issues being faced by those using the Foodbank’s services
Jenny Gilruth MSP, whose constituency of Mid Fife and Glenrothes takes in Leven and Kennoway, and David Torrance MSP, whose constituency of Kirkcaldy also covers Methil and Buckhaven met with Foodbank Coordinator Stewart English.
The Foodbank has already handed out over 700 emergency food packages to local people this year, including more than 100 in August alone. However, though the Foodbank receives regular donations, there are currently shortages of certain items that both Jenny Gilruth MSP and David Torrance MSP were keen to highlight, in the hope that local people would come forward to help out with donations.
Commenting Mid Fife and Glenrothes MSP, Jenny Gilruth said:
“The volunteers at Levenmouth Foodbank do a fantastic amount for the local community and I admire the sheer dedication and commitment they show to helping others locally. It is a sad and, I believe, an unacceptable reality in 2016 that there are families in Levenmouth who rely on Foodbanks just to survive – often through no fault of their own. The Scottish Government will continue to do everything it can to help those facing such difficult circumstances.”
David Torrance MSP for Kirkcaldy, added: “It’s good to see the Levenmouth community banding together to support those in need. Levenmouth Foodbank, the volunteers and the donations from local residents go a long way towards supporting people who are often in very difficult and desperate situations. It is disgraceful that the UK Government’s policies on benefit cuts and sanctions have created such a dependency on foodbanks for so many.”
Both MSPs would encourage their constituents to donate to the foodbank who are currently short of coffee, rice, pasta, potatoes, diluting juices, rice pudding and sugar. The items can be delivered to Methil Evangelical Church, Bowling Green St, Methil, Leven KY8 3DH.
ENDS
Picture: David Torrance MSP (left) and Jenny Gilruth MSP (right), with Stewart English, Coordinator at Levenmouth Foodbank
Contact Details:
Neale Gardiner
Office of Jenny Gilruth MSP (Mid Fife and Glenrothes)
E-mail: Neale.Gardiner@parliament.scot
Phone: 0131 348 5794
Picture: David Torrance MSP (left) and Jenny Gilruth MSP (right), with Stewart English, Coordinator at Levenmouth Foodbank
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