Kirkcaldy Foodbank warns of surge in visitors in new lockdown

Following on from their busiest ever year, staff are braced for yet another influx of people and families desperately needing support as more face extended periods on furlough, reduced hours, and the possibility of redundancy as businesses close their doors due to Covid-19.

Joyce Leggate, chairman, said: “There has been a huge escalation in demand from people and families who needed support last year - not just in Fife, but the whole country.

“We were extremely busy last year and we were especially hectic over Christmas time.

"There was a huge peak in the spring and winter months, and with the new lockdown restrictions put in place we are preparing for another big surge of people who need support.

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"As time goes on we are seeing more and more people who have been furloughed visiting the foodbank, with a lot of people on reduced wages they are having to choose whether to heat or eat.”

As staff prepare for the next wave, Joyce has praised the kindness of people from the town.

"All of the donations of food and money we have received during the pandemic have been really humbling,” she said. “People have been so generous in helping those less fortunate than themselves.

"The foodbank will remain open at all of our usual venues and our times will be staying the same.

"We are also putting measures in place to ensure the safety of our volunteers and clients.

"Perspex screens are to be installed as an extra defence against the virus and we are asking that people who visit to wear masks at all times, if someone cannot wear a mask for medical reasons we will meet them outside to collect their parcel.

"As well as a huge thank you to everyone who has donated, I want to thank Mandy Henderson and her team at Linton Lane Centre - without them opening their doors to the foodbank, even when no other service was running, has been a massive help and we couldn’t have supported so many people without them.”

For more information please visit: Kirkcaldy Foodbank venues and operating hours

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