Falkirk Foodbank say thanks for all the donations

Thanks to the support of individuals and local businesses, the food bank has continued to have good stocks, despite being busier than ever due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.

“We really want to say thank you to the people of Falkirk – it’s been immense!” said Alastair. “When they’ve been filling their baskets, they are remembering us and we can’t thank them enough.”

“If people can donate, we’d like to remind them that we can also do with cleaning materials and toiletries. They would also be very much appreciated just now.

“Things are busier than normal, although not hugely busier, but I think it’s going to get worse – we’re going to get people who have lost their jobs.”

With an average of 30 parcels in one day, they have recently delivered as many as 50 parcels in a day to people in desperate need of help.

Alasdair and the team of volunteers have also been very glad of the support coming in from businesses – some of whom are facing very difficult times.

“We always get support from Tesco and Asda and this week we have great support from businesses that have had to close down, so have given us stuff,” said Alastair.

“Other shops have really stepped up to the plate too – people have been very generous.

“It probably won’t be as good once people start to feel the lockdown – I’d imagine the donations will slow down, but at the moment we’re doing okay.

“We are working to keep clients supported as best as we can.”

Alastair would be delighted if people can continue to put items in supermarket collections although he knows this will be more difficult in the coming weeks as shopping trips become more difficult for everyone.

The Tamfourhill-based food bank, which is run by the Trussel Trust, serves the whole of Falkirk district.

In one major difference, it is no longer open for people to collect from.

Instead, they are delivering parcels, with strict guidelines to keep volunteers safe – as well as those who are getting parcels delivered.

“They don’t come to us – we go to them. We let them know we’re there and then we leave,” explained Alastair.

“We’re trying to make sure no-one is coming into contact with anyone else at all.”

Alastair also said he wished to thanks the volunteers who work so hard to keep the food bank helping others.

Donations can continue to be made at supermarkets and all food, cleaning stuff and toiletries will be gratefully received.

If you need the food banks’s help please visit falkirk.foodbank.org.uk.