MORE than 27,000 people have received help from a local foodbank in less than five months.

The Pennypit Community Development Trust has been at the heart of efforts to support people in Prestonpans, Cockenzie and Port Seton and the surrounding area during the coronavirus pandemic.

Now, Co-op Funeralcare in Tranent is calling on the community and local businesses to join forces and offer support.

Lee Stewart, funeral director at Tranent Co-op Funeralcare, encouraged people to do what they could to help.

She said: “Sadly, the use of foodbanks in our area is rising; with one in five of the UK population currently living below the poverty line, it’s more important than ever to support our local community.

“Many people have lost their jobs or have seen their income drop due to the pandemic, meaning that they’re being forced to rely on foodbanks.

“Children who would normally receive free school meals are now not receiving them because schools have broken up for the summer. This means that families are under even more pressure during the coming weeks.

“We are very proud to say that Co-op Funeralcare in Tranent has donated to Pennypit to support the local community as nobody should have to face going hungry. Donating even just one item really can make a huge difference to local people in crisis.”

Co-op Funeralcare is encouraging locals to donate long-life items for Pennypit Community Development Trust, such as tinned goods, cereals, pasta, toiletries, sanitary products and teas and coffees, as foodbank use has rocketed since lockdown.

The Pennypit Community Development Trust has seen a surge in the demand from 150 deliveries a week to 300 a day during the pandemic and is reliant on donations from the local community and businesses.

To date, the Pennypit has provided more than 27,000 people with food and has delivered to more than 12,700 households since March 23.

There are two pantries where people can drop off and collect food parcels.

Head along to St Martin’s Church in Tranent or the Pennypit Pagoda in Prestonpans. Both are from 11am until 1pm, Monday to Saturday.

Alternatively, a delivery service is also available for anyone unable to access the pantries.

For more information, email lornabellany@gmail.com