We can surely all agree that food banks are a disgrace in this day and age.

Many of the people who attend these food banks are working but earn so little that they find it hard to make ends meet.

Many are between jobs or benefits and find themselves embroiled in the delays of the Department of Work and Pensions' red tape.

Many are going through marriage breakups or fleeing violence one way or another, and need temporary help to see them through a rough time.

A woman I know who volunteers at some of the food banks tells me that some of the people who come to receive bags of food often return once they are back on their feet to re-donate and are grateful to do so.

She explains that most recipients enter upset and mortified at being reduced to such a place. The shame on their faces moves her to tears sometimes.

It is commonly believed that you can just walk in off the street and collect bags of food and therefore it can be abused by chancers but in order to qualify for the service you must be referred by the housing department, DWP, social work, a doctor or Money Matters.

A red slip is issued detailing your address and the number of people needing fed in the house. At the food bank the volunteers issue bags of non-perishable food items like tins of soup and beans, tins of meat and tins of fruit, cereals, tea, coffee, pasta even toilet rolls if available.

Of course sometimes they run out and bags can only be filled with what they have. This woman tells me that despair is usually etched on every face coming through the door.

The volunteers themselves often finding it hard to comprehend exactly what they are involved in especially when they are filling up a bag with nappies and baby food or handing over food to a young child who's helping their mother carry bags because she has another child to contend with. Heart breaking, but this is Scotland 2014.

There are still so many in need of help but who won't ask or be seen entering the food banks.

I believe that more professionals should be allowed an input in suggesting or indeed advising clients about the use of food banks such as midwifes and health visitors. These health workers are well placed to perhaps identify someone who is struggling but who is too embarrassed or ill-informed to act upon it.

Find out where your local food bank is. If you can donate food and other essentials please do so. Items such as sugar, diluting juice and UHT milk are needed as well as so called luxury items like razors, sanitary products and soap. These are so useful yet often forgotten.

At this time of year a wee selection box could brighten up the face of someone's child as they empty their bags of donated food supplies no doubt with tear-filled eyes.

We can all agree that the need for food banks in a modern and wealthy country like ours is a social scandal but until things change let's not allow those in dire need to go without.

Nicola Sturgeon

History will be made on Thursday. Scotland will have its first female First Minister elected. I am very hopeful that Nicola Sturgeon will not only do Scotland proud but that she will be a tribute to her gender as well.

I hate all the nonsense about women being better equipped to govern or represent people because of their gender.

Thatcher was a woman but caused mass poverty and despair for millions of women. It's what someone does that counts not whether they wear trousers or a skirt.

Nicola will, I'm sure, govern with compassion and guile. She is a smart woman and has risen to the top in a male dominated profession. That makes her a tough cookie. Good luck Nicola. Please stay focussed on tackling poverty and low pay.