GLASGOW’S foodbanks are set to come under unprecedented strain this Christmas, Scotland’s biggest network has warned.

The Trussell Trust released figures which showed Glasgow City Council had the highest rate of use in the country in December 2018.

The statistics revealed that 2147 adults sought the services as well as 1480 children, with a warning that this winter may be even more in demand than the last.

The Trussell Trust’s chief executive Emma Revie said: “It’s not right that anyone should have to use a foodbank at any time of year – not just at Christmas. Our next government must start working towards a future where no one needs a foodbank.”

Figures for this year alone have shown an increased use of foodbanks across the country, with a 22% increase from April to September 2019 compared to the same time period in 2018.

The average weekly income of households using foodbanks is only £50 after rent, making December one of the trickiest times of the year for poorer families to get by with increased heating bills and food.

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Revie said: “Christmas is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration – but for too many people in Scotland it’s becoming harder and harder to keep their heads above water. 

“Nine in 10 of us believe hunger in the UK is a problem – foodbanks cannot and should not have to continue to pick up the pieces.

“It’s not inevitable that every Christmas we hear stories about families needing foodbanks. It’s in our power to reach a future where everyone has enough money for the basics. This can change.”

The Trussell Trust has also revealed that it is calling on members of the public to donate to foodbanks as soon as possible to help facilities deal with the increased number of requests expected this year and to allow volunteers more time to organise parcels and donations for families in need.

The report also shows that 94% of the people who visit foodbanks to get by are destitute, with nearly 190,000 emergency parcels handed out to people in crisis, including nearly 67,000 of those going to 
children. 

An emergency parcel is a donation which contains just three days worth of food for one person, with

The Trussell Trust stating in recent analysis that people coming to a foodbank need around two referrals per year to get by.

With just a few weeks until Christmas, and thousands of people expected to use services in and around the city, The Trussell Trust has called upon politicians to help make the changes that the general public are unable to. 

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The charity is calling on candidates in the upcoming General Election to pledge to protect people by ensuring everyone has enough money for the basics. 

The call comes as the charity’s report “State of Hunger” shows the factors driving families to use foodbanks include problems with the benefits system, ill health or challenging life experience and a lack of local support. 

Revie said: “We know many people want to help their local communities at this time of year. There are two simple things you can do to make a real difference.

“First, find out what items your local foodbank is most in need of and donate as soon as possible.  

“Help us end the need for food banks for good, by asking all your local candidates up for election to pledge to protect people from hunger by making sure everyone has enough money for the basics.”