South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth has shown his support and thanks to local Food Banks across Dumfries and Galloway this winter.
Colin visited the local food bank collection point at the Cuckoo Bridge Tesco in Dumfries as they launched their annual foodbank weekend campaign and spoke with volunteers and staff about how important even the smallest donation can be.
The local MSP then visited the Trussell Trust Foodbank which benefits from the collections at Apex on Friars Vennel in Dumfires.
Colin Smyth said, “Speaking with the volunteers gives you a real insight into how much even someone donating a single item of food to the foodbank collection can make. This drive is especially important because food bank collection points such as the ones at Tesco, makes it very simple to donate. People can simply buy a few extra items with their weekly shop and put them into the donation point. There is a collection point based here all year round, but with Christmas period coming up, Tesco have launched a weekend of activity to raise donations and awareness. It can be difficult time for many families and making a small donation can go some way to supporting them. I encourage anyone who is able to make a donation to one of the many local food banks if they can”.
Afterward the visit to Tesco, Colin then went to the Apex Charity based in Dumfries, where he met staff to find out how the donations make their way from the collection point to the people in need. The Trussell Trust Foodbank at Apex is one of two in Dumfries.
Colin said: “The food is taken to the charity bank and organised in such a way that gives the most benefit to its users. From creating weekly or daily bags to sorting food so that users with specific dietary needs can receive help as well, the work Trussell do helps our most vulnerable. By ensuring people most in need can get this food is a deeply underappreciated but vital part of the charity.
The Trussell Trust foobank provides assistance to people who have been referred to the charity. Organisations such as the local council or social services can refer people who they think might need help to Apex and then they are able to offer what they can.
It is a real scandal that as we enter 2017 we not only have food banks in Scotland but demand for them in on the increase. However, for as long that demand is there we need to do all we can to support our local food banks and I want to thank everyone who donates food and gives up their time to run food banks across our region”
Further information on Apex Dumfries can be found: http://www.apexscotland.org.uk/your-local-apex/apex-dumfries/
