THE number of people using East Lothian Foodbank this financial year is on course to reach a record high, as a new report reveals one in five children in the county is living in poverty.

End Child Poverty has published a map of the United Kingdom which compares wealth across the country and reveals 4,276 children are living in poverty in East Lothian – 20.3 per cent.

The map was released as new figures highlighting the number of people using the Tranent-based foodbank charity, which was formed in 2012, over the first six months of the financial year had increased compared to 2015.

A total of 761 people were given three-day emergency food supplies between April and September, an increase of 102 from the same period last year.

That equates to supplying food to 1,560 people, of which more than a third were youngsters under the age of 16.

East Lothian MSP Iain Gray said: “These figures reiterate the fact that far too many children are growing up in poverty in East Lothian. While the staff and volunteers at East Lothian Foodbank do an important job helping those experiencing food poverty, it is appalling that foodbanks have almost become a part of everyday life in modern-day Scotland.

“We need better support for local government in tackling child poverty. Half a billion pounds was cut from local government last year, with £1 billion more forecast by the end of the decade unless there is a rethink from the SNP Government. Our Parliament has the powers to tackle many aspects of child poverty; we need actions, not excuses.”

East Lothian Foodbank is part of The Trussell Trust foodbank network, which is on course to distribute the highest number of food parcels in its 12-year history.

Peter Dicker, manager of East Lothian Foodbank, told the Courier: “Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank.”

The top three reasons for people using the charity, which is based on the town’s Civic Square, are being refused a crisis grant, benefit delay and a change in benefits.

Mr Dicker added: “Every week we meet local people like you or me who have been hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in welfare payments or an unexpected bill – and are unable to afford food.

“It really is only with the community’s support that we’re able to provide vital emergency help when it most matters, and we’re constantly surprised and overwhelmed by local people’s generosity. We’re keen to work with individuals, businesses and organisations across the community to help put a stop to local people going hungry – there’s a part for everyone to play.

“Thank you so much to everyone in East Lothian who already donates time, food and money to help local people.”

Currently, one in five people live below the poverty line in the UK, with less than five per cent of foodbank clients homeless. Many are working families struggling to make ends meet.

All those who receive emergency food are referred by care professionals, such as doctors, social workers and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

Food parcels typically contain items such as tinned fruit and vegetables, tinned meat and fish, and pasta, sauces and cereal.

For more information on the charity, go to eastlothian.foodbank.org.uk or go to its open day next Thursday (December 1), between 12.30pm and 3pm.