The operators of Glenrothes Foodbank have criticised supermarkets for failing to help some of the town’s most vulnerable people.
Foodbank coordinator Maureen Power has accused major corporations of showing more care for animals than humans after admitting the charity is relying on food donations from churches and residents to keep the service going.
Volunteers had to go to a supermarket in Cupar at the weekend to obtain much-needed supplies, a consequence, it is claimed, of a lack of support from shops in the town.
Mrs Power said despite protracted efforts to engage with supermarkets, none had been forthcoming with long-term support.
“We have never given up on them but we are depending on the community’s support to keep us going,” she said.
“One supermarket in the town has two collection points for food for animals but nothing for people. What does that say for its image?
“That we love animals but are unwilling to help the community?”
With the shelves almost bare, foodbank operators are expecting greater challenges in the coming weeks during the school holiday period.
“We will have people that are not getting their free school meals,” added Mrs Power.
“There are also people that never normally use foodbanks, such as single parents and grandparents.”
To help the charity through this period, volunteers were in Cupar at the weekend to restock the foodbank’s shelves.
While critical of supermarkets in Glenrothes, Mrs Power said the spirit of the community was helping to keep the service going.
“We are reliant on churches because we don’t really have a major sponsor,” she said.
“In June we supported 401 people but we are really struggling. The local community, however, has been wonderful.”
Glenrothes councillor Bill Brown was among the volunteers at the Cupar branch of Tesco at the weekend and said building links with corporations was crucial for foodbanks if they are to work effectively.
“The foodbank collection went really well over the three days,” he said.
“We collected 25 boxes of food on Saturday alone. It just shows what can be done when there is engagement with a supermarket.”
After The Courier’s intervention, Morrisons in Glenrothes said while collection points could present hygiene issues it would be willing to work with the foodbank.
A spokesman said: “Morrisons are committed to making a difference to the local community. Our Glenrothes store made a one-off food donation to the Glenrothes foodbank in March this year.
“Whilst we currently are unable to offer unmanned collection points in store, Morrisons often arranges for foodbank volunteers to come into store for a day to hold a collection.
“Our Glenrothes store would be happy to arrange a collection date with the foodbank in the near future in order to support their work.”
Picture by George McLuskie