A “desperate“ Fife foodbank is on the verge of crisis as stocks run “critically” low.
The operators of Glenrothes Foodbank have launched an urgent appeal for donations as they struggle to keep up with burgeoning demand for the service.
There are fears families could go hungry unless rapid help is received.
Councillor Bill Brown has urged people to show their support for the town’s most vulnerable residents, saying: “I am distressed to find that the food in the Glenrothes Foodbank has pretty well dried up.
“Many of the folk that use the foodbank have real difficulties buying food. Some folk have had changes to their benefits, including cutting their benefits altogether.
“The situation is desperate.We need a short-term and a long-term solution to make sure that they never run out of food again.
“Shops and companies can collect items and hand them in to the foodbank but this needs to happen every week.
“People can also hand in donations of money, which can be used to buy food that the foodbank is desperately short of.”
The local area committee chairman, Councillor Altany Craik, has also called on people to unite behind the project.
He said: “The efforts of the volunteers have been immense and the contribution from members of the public have shown a huge level of support.
“The demands for food have increased by around 150% and those most vulnerable in Glenrothes area have been supported over the last few months.
“We need the help of everyone to refill and keep refilling the shelves so that no one goes hungry and we protect those in need.”
He added: “I am humbled by the efforts of the foodbank volunteers.”
The project is run by Glenrothes YMCA and churches in conjunction with the Trussell Trust.
The foodbank has been busy since opening its doors just two months ago, with more than 133 people receiving help in the four-week period from December 19 more than a third of those being children.
YMCA director Mary Hill has joined the appeal for donated food, saying: “The YMCA is proud to support Glenrothes foodbank and is delighted to be a leading agency in this worthwhile service.
“All of the food goes to families living in Glenrothes who are going through extreme hardship.”