Glenrothes foodbank to hold open day

Glenrothes Foodbank Volunteers with the new fresh fruit and veg counter. Pictured from Left: Wilma Hadden, Joan Grant, chairman Lindsay Clark, Pat Toy, Gilly Guild and David Toy. Picture: Steven Brown

For the town’s foodbank, which is about to complete it’s first year since achieving charitable status, is opening its doors and inviting in the public to see for themselves the range of support on offer and how their donations get to the people who need them.

With a cafe service, clothing bank and a range of legal, educational and social support, the Saltire Centre based facility received 1068kg of food donations, in May alone, proving it to be as busy an organisation as ever since it was set up in the town in 2013 In all volunteers distributed 866kg of food to clients in May helping over 200 clients, of which 66 were children.

The service would not exist without the generous support from the public and in hosting an open day, we want to show our gratitude and to also show them that their donations go to helping the very people they were intended to,” Lyndsay Clark, chairman told the Gazette.

“It’s also a bit of public recognition to those who donate their time by volunteering, they are the heart and soul of the place.,” she added.

As well as allowing the public to see how the operation works, the open day is also being used to promote their new fresh fruit and vegetables barrow, which allows foodbank clients access to fresh produce and promotes health eating.

“It’s proved a big hit and we thank the local supermarkets for allowing us to be able to achieve this,” explained Lyndsey.

People will also be encouraged to join the 200 Club - an initiative that allows individuals to make hassle free regular donations as a way of supporting the vital service.

What’s more volunteers are putting the vital touches to a number new services on offer.

“We want to help teach people how to cook a simple but tasty meal that will be both nutritional as well as appetising, it’s the sort of skills that have often been lost or never taught to many of those needing our help,” added Lyndsey.

The open day takes place on July 5 between 2pm-7pm at Glenrothes Foodbank, Caledonia House, Pentland Park, Saltire Centre.