1000% surge in pleas for city food bank help

A local charity says ­demand is so high that its shelves are now virtually bare.

Graham Steven, fundraising manager for Glasgow City Mission, said: "Increased demand for emergency food, coupled with decreased donations of tinned food is meaning that our food bank is struggling to provide enough food for those seeking our help.

"We are asking if local ­people could show their love for Glasgow by donating tinned food so we can meet demand."

Mr Steven said more than 100 people each week are ­visiting the city centre food bank, many with children.

He added: "Due to huge ­demand, our shelves are now empty save for a few tins of beans and soup.

"Our stock of tinned meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and puddings have all completely gone. Just last Monday, 46 ­people visited our food bank for emergency food - our ­busiest day so far."

Volunteer foodbank ­manager Linda McLarty ­described how the charity helped a ­desperate couple in the run up to Christmas.

She said: "A couple who were going to be made homeless and were really struggling financially and emotionally came to visit out food bank just before Christmas.

"They finally got re-housed and she returned last week to give me a big cuddle with tears in her eyes.

"She said our kindness had helped them cope and without our assistance with food and presents for the kids at Christmas, she would not have been able to buy her wee boys shoes for school."

As well as issuing emergency food, the charity ­inquires how else they can help each person.

Mr Steven said: "People are made aware of our jobs club, budgeting class, advice ­clinics and other services.

"Govan Law Centre also has a housing and benefits advice clinic every Wednesday afternoon in our building."

Donations of tinned meat, fish, vegetables, fruit and puddings are the most asked for items.

They can be dropped off at Glasgow City Mission, 20 Crimea Street, Glasgow, G2 8PW, during office hours.

vivienne.nicoll@eveningtimes.co.uk