The number of people turning to foodbanks for emergency aid is expected to hit at least 55,000 by the end of the financial year.
The total, up from 14,527 in the previous 12-month period, is a conservative estimate and may well be exceeded, the Trussell Trust said.
Scotland now has 43 foodbanks, which have helped about 39,000 people with emergency supplies between April 1 and December 23.
Ewan Gurr, the charity’s Scotland development officer, said: “I don’t think we’re going to see any improvement in the short term.
“I would expect the numbers to reach at least 55,000 by the end of March 2014, and that is a conservative estimate.
“If things continue as they are, with food banks getting busier and new foodbanks opening, it will top that.”
Any economic growth is being undermined by rising living costs, welfare cuts and a lack of jobs, the charity says.
These assertions are disputed by UK Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.
He denies benefit cuts are forcing more people to turn to foodbanks for help.
Mr Gurr said: “It is not scaremongering, it is reality and the coalition Government can ignore that as much as they want.
“They can focus on the 0.8% growth in the economy and decreasing unemployment throughout the country. That’s good. That is something we celebrate, but there is more work to be done.”