SCOTLAND'S political, business and entertainment communities today pledged their support to the Evening Times' Food for Thought campaign.

We are calling for a more coordinated approach to make sure that all foodbanks have a network of support and hungry people are in no doubt about where to seek help.

There are around 50 foodbanks in Glasgow, most of which were started up in the last year to help people struggling to feed themselves after being left penniless because of welfare reform, benefit sanctions and low income.

We know that the four foodbanks run by the Trussell Trust in Glasgow fed nearly 10,000 people last year. But this must only be the tip of the iceberg as the number fed by independent groups and churches isn't collated.

Following our launch yesterday, dozens of people - from business and political leaders and entertainers, to readers and social media users - spoke out over the issues.

Deputy First Minister and Glasgow Southside MSP, Nicola Sturgeon, said: "I applaud the Evening Times for launching this campaign, which highlights the plight of those in our communities who are struggling to feed themselves.

"The Scottish Government has this week launched a £500,000 Emergency Food Fund, part of a £1 million investment in food aid, with £500,000 already committed to the charity FareShare to redistribute surplus food from retailers to charities supporting their local communities.

"The amount of people experiencing food poverty in Scotland as a result of welfare cuts is simply not acceptable, and the Emergency Food Fund will help food aid organisations combat food poverty by working with other local agencies. I urge relevant organisations to apply.

"The rise in food poverty is a depressing trend, however it is heartening to see communities and organisations coming together to help those in need. I thank the Evening Times for highlighting this issue."

Comedian Janey Godley backed our call for a more coordinated approach to foodbanks.

She said: "It should be out in the open, people shouldn't have to go in search of foodbanks.

"We're looking at empty shops on high streets and it shouldn't be like that - they could be foodbanks.

"It needs to be a network instead of sporadic pop-ups."

Johann Lamont, Scottish Labour leader, said our campaign shone a spotlight on a "growing problem".

She said: "Foodbanks represent the best and worst of Glasgow - the fact that we have to have them at all should make us all pause and reflect that such hardship exists in 21st century Glasgow.

"It also represents the best of Glasgow, that people are prepared to give up their time and their food to ensure others are looked after."

Entrepreneur and philanthropist Sir Tom Hunter said he hoped the campaign would be a step towards getting rid of the need for foodbanks.

He said: "Children and families going to bed hungry in a modern country like Scotland is an appalling indictment on our society as a whole.

"This is not Government's problem alone it's all of ours, we all need to take responsibility in eradicating, especially, child poverty and hunger."

Evening Times editor Tony Carlin said: "The Evening Times believes that no one in Glasgow should go hungry.

"It is gratifying that so many Glaswegians agree with us."

Peter Kelly, director of the Poverty Alliance, which was set up to tackle inequalities, also welcomed our drive.

We reported yesterday how Glasgow institutions, including Rangers, Partick Thistle and the Glasgow Tigers speedway team, had joined NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and Glasgow Housing Association to help out any way they could.

Some firms vowed to set up food collections in order to feed the city's hungry.

Mr Kelly said: "The Scottish Government's Emergency Food Fund opened for applications yesterday, and while we welcome this provision it is unacceptable that in 21st century Scotland people are having to rely on foodbanks."

Scottish Conservative leader Ruth Davidson MSP said: "The tremendous efforts of volunteers and organisations to help those in need is inspiring.

"Well done to the Evening Times for recognising their efforts and also to the people of Glasgow for their generosity."

Councillor Malcolm Cunning, Glasgow City Council's executive member for social care, said staff were working with food banks.

He said: "The way that Glaswegians have responded to the current food crisis is something to be proud of.

"The Evening Times is to be applauded for taking on this vital issue."