The increasing use of foodbanks should serve as a wake-up call for the Coalition Government, according to a local MP.
Gordon Banks, shadow Scotland Office minister and Ochil and South Perthshire MP, said the rise was due to the Government’s economic policies hitting the poorest members of society.
Scotland has seen a 160% rise in foodbanks since April 2012, according the Trussell Trust, a charity that helps set up the facilities.
Mr Banks said: “The coalition promised that the burden of reducing the deficit would be carried by those with the broadest shoulders but today we see again the true cost of the Government’s economic policies.
“There is no reason why anyone should have to resort to a foodbank to feed their family. The trebling of people using foodbanks in Scotland should be a wake-up call to the Coalition Government that their economic policies are failing and they need to change course now.”
However, Mr Banks also praised the work of those running foodbanks.
He said: “I understand that efforts are already well developed for a foodbank in Perthshire, which will seek to support as many people as possible in the Perth and Kinross area.
“Whilst the need for foodbanks is abhorrent, it does show that in times of severe hardship, our communities can come together to support those less fortunate.”