LAST week, we launched our East Lothian Courier Foodbank Appeal, and we’re asking our generous readers to dig deep and help out the county’s vital foodbanks and food initiatives in any way they can.
Now, we’re taking a closer look at a few of the organisations and sponsors involved with our appeal over the course of the next few weeks in the lead-up to our April 18 issue, when we’ll be including a donation bag in our paper which readers can fill with goods for he various groups.
There will be lots of convenient locations for you to drop off our bag – we’ll carry a full list in that week’s issue.
We are being supported by our generous sponsors – AC’s Taxis, Minibuses & Coaches; Belmont Group; EDF; and Forth Blinds.
So please, if you can, take part in our appeal and help improve the lives of people in dire need – any donation you can make, no matter how small, will be hugely appreciated.
East Lothian Foodbank
EAST Lothian Foodbank, based on Tranent’s Civic Square, is a Trussell Trust-operated charity service serving the East Lothian community.
The foodbank provides emergency food and support to people across the county in need and has seen a surge in demand for its services in recent years.
East Lothian Foodbank was set up in 2012 as a direct response to a growing need seen in the community. The foodbank is run by a small team of staff and a large volunteer base.
Last year, East Lothian Foodbank provided 125,300 meals to 13,927 people, up 22 per cent on 2022. A total of 135,040kg of items were given out to those in need in 2023.
In January this year, a total of 590 households were supported by the foodbank, up 13 per cent from the previous January, with 21 per cent of households being referred for the first time.
When asked what their reason for referral to the foodbank was, 59 per cent of people said that the rising costs of essentials was the reason for visiting the foodbank, while 21 per cent said it was due to the impact of a physical or mental health condition, and 20 per cent stated that priority debt was the reason for the visit.
Elaine Morrison, manager at the foodbank, said: “The demand for our support continues to be at a very high level.
“We hope one day there will no longer be a need for us, but for now we are very much still relied upon.
“Any donations, no matter how small, can make a huge difference and stop us having to buy in goods to give to those in need.”
Visit eastlothian.foodbank.org.uk for more information.
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