MORE than 500 children were among those receiving “emergency food” from East Lothian Foodbank over the last year.

The startling figures show that 1,118 adults and 514 children have received three days’ emergency food and support from the foodbank over the last 12 months.

Worryingly, the figures are described as the “tip of the iceberg” of UK food poverty by the chairman of leading charity The Trussell Trust.

Peter Dicker, manager of East Lothian Foodbank, was among those concerned about the figures, which were collated from information gathered ahead of referrals to the foodbank.

He said: “We are seeing a steady increase in the weekly number of referrals arriving here at East Lothian Foodbank and around a third of those we help are children.  “The reality is that all sorts of people have been reaching a crisis point where they just cannot afford food.   “But we are a stop-gap; about 90 per cent of our users have only needed one food parcel.

“We don’t think anyone should have to go hungry, which is why we’re so grateful for the great generosity of local people in donating food, funds and time to stop local hunger.” Nearly a fifth of those looking for help were single parents, with the majority (55 per cent) single people.

At the same time, problems with benefits took up more than 40 per cent of the reasons for referrals.

The county’s MSP Iain Gray described the figures as “a disgrace”.

Mr Gray said: “These figures show that the recession isn’t over and the cost-of-living crisis is still hitting many people in East Lothian and across the country.

“It is also clear that welfare changes are resulting in misery for some of the poorest families here.

“The county’s foodbank is providing vital help to those facing this desperate need and I commend all the staff and volunteers there for the work they are doing.

“However, it is a disgrace that so many people are forced to rely on this kind of support.

“I want to see a Government that will tackle the cost-of-living crisis and help the families being forced into food poverty.” The Rev Dr Robin Hill, from Longniddry Parish Church, is one of the Trustees of the foodbank.

He told the Courier: “It is a terrible situation that East Lothian needs to have a foodbank in 2014.

“There is no doubt that changes to the benefit system and delays in the delivery of benefits have played a major part in driving individuals and families towards foodbank provision.

“We are committed to offering the best service we can and developing that service in new directions.

“We are convinced that it will take a major change in Government policy to provide the kind of society in which all are able to buy, cook and enjoy the food they need and we call upon the Government to consider its policies to bring about a fair society.” Mr Dicker praised the efforts of the local community, who are doing their bit to ensure adults, children and families do not go hungry.

“Last year, local people donated approximately 3.4 tonnes of food to East Lothian foodbank, and over 40 volunteered,” said Mr Dicker.

“Schools, businesses and faith groups have provided vital support to the foodbank, enabling us to give three days’ nutritionally balanced food and support to people in crisis.

“Donations can still be delivered to the foodbank but please contact us if you are unsure of where we are in Tranent.” For more information on how to donate or to volunteer, contact Mr Dicker on 07516 510617 or visit 3 Civic Square, Tranent.