The number of children being fed by Helensburgh and Lomond foodbank has nearly doubled in a year, it has been revealed.
Mary McGinley, who operates the service, also said that the number of food bags distributed between November and January increased by over 20% year on year.
She also called for better availability of information regarding benefits for residents in need of support with the cost of living.
Councillors and community figures heard the stark figures at a meeting of Argyll and Bute Council’s Helensburgh and Lomond community planning group on Tuesday.
Ms McGinley said: “The foodbank continues to see an increase in demand from people who find it difficult to feed themselves and their families when energy costs are increasing significantly.
“This is primarily as a result of not having enough income.”
Between November 2022 and January this year, 841 food bags were given to the people – an increase of 21% compared to the same period last year – these supported 1,162 adults and 567 children.
There were almost twice as many children affected by food insecurity in the quarter, compared to 294 last year, an increase of 92.8%.
Ms McGinley added: “We continue to be very well supported by the local community, with organisations providing regular donations of food and cash.
“We currently have a very good support of most items and a very healthy financial reserve. We also purchase fruit, vegetables, cheese and eggs to ensure a well-balanced bag of food, and these are purchased from local suppliers to add to non-perishable food.
“We were asked to highlight what we think others can do. We would like to see greater focus on cash-first initiatives and faster access to advice on debt management services, as well as welfare benefits.
“If people could access money to purchase food, rather than relying on charitable food aid, that would help.
“Continued investment in school meal grants for children during holidays is critical to address food poverty and we are pleased Argyll and Bute Council do this. We urge them to continue.”
Cllr Fiona Howard said: “I have a number of copies of a booklet about money worries which I was going to hand into the community hub and the library.
“I am also working with Jackie Baillie MSP to organise a cost of living event in Helensburgh. This has been a bit delayed but we are working on it and it will be published shortly.”
Cllr Mark Irvine, who is also a member of the Argyll Community Housing Association (ACHA) board, added: “There is a piece of work we will be doing at ACHA to identify and target people needing support.
“There is a meeting on Monday, February 27 and I will certainly bring it up there. It is a communication strategy which needs to be joined up.”
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