Sharp rise in families needing Kirkcaldy Foodbank's help is grim reality of pandemic

Although there was a slight decrease in the number of total visits in December, the number of family sized parcels handed out went up.

Throughout 2020, data has shown a relationship between the number of visits to the charity and the extent of lockdown restrictions.

Since the start of the first lockdown last March, the foodbank has recorded a sharp increase in meals provided which is most evident in the number of family parcels given out.

The total number distributed by the service last year totalled 304,326 - compared to 247,410 in 2019.

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The number of family sized food parcels given out last year was 5385 – up from 3529 in 2019.

June 2020 saw the largest increase of support needed with a 70.3% year on year rise in the number of meals provided.

The total number of people provided with food numbered 3501 compared to 2056 in June 2019.

Joyce Leggate, chairman, said: “The statistics tell of a really grim reality for so many families.

"The impact of children being off school is proving difficult as parents have to make the difficult decision whether to heat or eat.

"Thankfully Kirkcaldy Foodbank has been able to help many families throughout the pandemic by providing nutritious meals at all times to those in need.

“We have increased our supply of ready made meals available, as well as fresh fruit and vegetables and thank everyone who supports us with donations enabling us to do this.”

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