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Child referrals to Dingwall food bank show a dramatic rise


By Jamie Hall

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Dingwall food bank
Dingwall food bank

A "DEEPLY concerning" rise in the number of children relying on a Ross-shire food bank is a "sad indictment" of failing welfare reforms, frustrated MSPs believe.

The number of child referrals to Blythswood Care’s Dingwall food bank is up by 50 per cent on this time a year ago – and comes amid a backdrop of increased foodbank use across Ross-shire and the wider Highland area.

SNP MSP Maree Todd says the overall change is a result of the UK government’s universal credit policy, which is forcing working people and families across the area into poverty.

"I am of course glad that myself and Kate Forbes MSP can do something to help by providing a food bank drop-off point at our office, but I am heartsore it’s even necessary," she said.

"The sharp rise in foodbank use is largely a result of UK government welfare reform. The disastrous roll-out of universal credit that was piloted in the Highlands has resulted in vast swathes of unnecessary suffering.

"Folk, many of whom are working, are being driven into destitution and families are being left with no choice but to rely on foodbanks.

"These are political choices and it’s high time those in power in Westminster took responsibility for the unnecessary suffering they are causing to folk in the Highlands, and indeed across the UK."

Ms Todd and fellow SNP MSP Kate Forbes have now opened up their office for use as a food drop-off point in a bid to encourage more Ross-shire residents to donate as organisations struggle to keep up with demand.

The kind-hearted pair said constituents will be able to leave food parcels, containing non-perishable items including pasta, rice and coffee, at their office in Dingwall High Street.

And they have teamed up with Blythswood Care, which runs the Highland foodbank network, in response to the news that the number of children using the Dingwall site has risen by more than 50 per cent. The facility has also been appealing for extra donations to meet demand.

"When we saw the recent plea for food bank donations, we thought this was something we could do to help," Ms Forbes said. "For the first six months of the year, 40 children have received food parcels from the Dingwall food bank, which is more than a 50 per cent increase on the previous year. This is deeply concerning.

"Across the Highlands there is a 10 per cent year-on-year rise in the number of adults receiving food parcels, whilst the number is over 25 per cent for children.

"It’s a sign of the times that people are dependent on food donations in a rich country – and an indictment on welfare reform which has left people with no other choices."

Although the total number of people across the Highlands and the number of children using food banks have both risen, the number of adults being referred to the Dingwall food bank has fallen.

Blythswood Care’s projects manager Finlay Mackenzie spoke of his gratitude to the two MSPs for opening their office for donations.

He believes families who normally receive additional support during the school term need more help during the summer holidays.

He said: "Sadly we see an increase in referrals to our food banks across the Highlands year on year.

"This summer there has been an even greater need with many families needing extra support who would usually receive free school meals and have children who attend breakfast clubs.

"Food donations usually drop during the summer but with media support we have been very encouraged by the generous donations by the public.

"We are very grateful for the support and involvement of Kate Forbes MSP and Maree Todd MSP whose backing helps to highlight the plight of local people in times of crisis."


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