A church minister and local councillors have expressed hope that a coordinated approach can be developed to deal with the growing problem of food poverty in Cupar.
More than 70 people attended a public meeting in Cupar on Tuesday night to look at the establishment of a foodbank, following revelations that some families are struggling to survive.
The meeting, organised by Cupar Old Parish Church, saw representation from five churches, while others came from various agencies which work in the community.
The meeting was addressed by Douglas Drysdale, from the Bethany Trust, and Rebecca Weir, from the Storehouse in St Andrews. They talked about their work in North-East Fife and of their experience of creating and sustaining foodbanks.
Afterwards, an open discussion took place, at the end of which there arose, among the majority of those present, an enthusiastic desire to begin work to establish a foodbank in Cupar.
A small steering group will now be appointed to begin the work of transforming this vision into a reality.
The Rev Kenneth Jeffrey said: “I believe the meeting was unique in gathering together a wide cross-section of people who want to serve our town and help those in need and I am incredibly excited by the opportunities that may arise in the future, as we seek to cooperate and work in partnership with each other in a joint effort to care for our community.”
Cupar Liberal Democrat Fife councillor Margaret Kennedy said: “I was pleased to attend the meeting, both as a councillor and elder of St John’s.
“This is an ecumenical approach to caring for the vulnerable in our community, much of which can often be hidden due to the rural nature of North-East Fife.
“The need for the foodbank has been present for some time; however, the combination of many aspects of our personal and society’s economy has accelerated that need for some. I look forward to the next stage and will support in whatever way I can.”