THE number of emergency food parcels distributed in Inverclyde has risen by more than a third over the past year.
Figures from the Trussell Trust, which operates a network of food banks across the UK, show that a total of 7,331 parcels were handed out in the area between April 1, 2022 and March 31 this year.
A total of 5,546 were for adults with 1,785 children’s parcels being distributed – up by 1,440 and 50 respectively.
Inverclyde MP Ronnie Cowan said the increases were indicative of 'crippling' food price and energy bill increases - partly blaming Brexit and what he branded the 'Trussenomics disaster', in a reference to former prime minister Liz Truss.
He told the Tele: "My office has been speaking to the Inverclyde Foodbank lately, and the phenomenal work it does means people can put food on the table.
"It relies on donations, and the people and organisations which donate are providing a vital lifeline.
"But with food costs at record levels, stocks are low, less food is coming in, and demand is rising all the time.
"Inflation in the UK is a Tory-made torment to us all, and the proof of this is that UK inflation is about double that of comparable economies.
"Food inflation last month hit an unprecedented 19.1 per cent.
"It is a profound concern that we have seen a sharp rise in reliance on foodbanks here in Inverclyde, and even more of a worry is the huge rise in the number of food parcels needed for children."
The past year’s need levels were the highest ever seen across Scotland, with 259,744 emergency food parcels being given out nationwide.
The total represents a 50 per cent increase on the number of parcels distributed five years ago.
Stuart McMillan, MSP for Inverclyde, said the increase in the number of people using the foodbank was 'deeply worrying'.
He added: “What’s worse is that the reports states this is representative of the increasing numbers of people experiencing financial hardship due to the cost of living crisis and reflects wider sector research into the impact of the crisis on low-income families in Scotland.
“My office has seen an upsurge in cases since autumn last year as more households locally feel the pinch – never mind the impact rising costs is having on those who were already living in poverty.
“I also know that the local foodbank has found itself providing a critical service to support those who receive parcels and have had to adapt to meet the level and nature of need for emergency food in Inverclyde.
“They are signposting people to other services due to the deepening hardship and distress people in our community are facing. The volunteers and staff do an excellent job in challenging circumstances and I know our fantastic third sector is doing all it can to help people.
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“Governments must step up though, and I support the Trussell Trust’s call for the UK Government to legislate to ensure that, at a minimum, Universal Credit should protect people from going without essentials."
Mr McMillan also said he will ask the Scottish Government for an update on its plans to publish and implement a national plan to 'end the need for foodbanks in Scotland'.
In its report, the Trust highlighted that 62,000 people in Scotland used a foodbank for the first time in the past year.
Emma Revie, chief executive of the Trussell Trust, said: “These new statistics are extremely concerning and show than an increasing number of people are left with no option but to turn to charitable, volunteer-run organisations to get by and this is not right."
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