There’s been a significant uptake in users of the service as the cost-of-living emergency has worsened.
Pam Shearer, who volunteers and Sarah Hamilton, who works at the foodbank in Cardonald(Image: Glasgow Live)
The cost-of-living crisis has hit our city hard, and too many people are being forced to choose between heating and eating this Christmas. But foodbanks offer those who are struggling some of the basics they need to keep them going through the winter.
We visited Glasgow’s South West Foodbank at Hillington Park Parish Church in Cardonald on Friday, December 19, to meet the heroes keeping locals fed this Christmas. Claire McCunnie, manager of Glasgow’s five South West foodbanks has been with the organisation since its launch in 2013. And sadly, there’s been a significant uptake in users of the service as the cost-of-living emergency has worsened.
Claire, dressed in her Christmas tree headband, said: “The uptake in users has been huge over the years. Christmas donations used to do us for six months of the year. And at this point, it probably does the first three to four.
“Everybody’s feeling rubbish, the cost of living is hitting everybody. When tins used to be on sale for ‘buy one, get one free’, people used to donate the extra one.
“Now, they’ll keep it for themselves, and you can’t blame them. So it’s much more difficult to get donations for charities right now.”
Clare McCunnie, manager of Glasgow South West Foodbank(Image: Glasgow Live)
It will be surprising to some that a large proportion of Claire’s foodbank users are employed, but that the cost of goods outweighs their wages by so much that they find themselves unable to afford the basics.
Sarah Hamilton, who works full-time at the foodbank said: “Unfortunately, we’re getting busier year-on-year. We’re seeing different people coming through the door, and a lot of people who are working. Wages and benefits just aren’t keeping pace with inflation.”
Users of the foodbank, who are referred by the likes of social services, GPs and housing associations, can come into the centre, collect a bag of non-perishable goods or fresh produce, and sit down for a tea or coffee to chat with volunteers or other service users.
Claire highlights that having a safe space to talk, share their experiences and learn about their finances (which they can do at the facility’s ‘Money Matters’ desk in the hall) all makes the process of using the foodbank that much more important for those who are struggling- especially at Christmas.
Sarah adds: “This is our busiest time of year, and it’s hard for people. I know some people might argue that you should cut costs and focus on food instead of buying gifts, but it’s difficult, especially for families. Santa doesn’t do an ‘IOU’, he’s coming on the 25th whether you have money or not.”
But with a hefty pile of toy donations distributed by volunteer Evelyn McCheyne- who has gone all-out with her Christmas outfit including a necklace of festive lights- parents can ensure their kids aren’t left out by Santa this year.
Evelyn McCheyne has volunteered with the foodbank for 10 years(Image: Glasgow Live)
Evelyn, who has been volunteering with the service for 10 years says: “We’ve done really quite well this year for toy donations, though we’ve not got as many boys’ gifts. We’ve got more wee things for teenagers, which is the one thing we don’t ever normally get.”
Spreading Christmas cheer in the church hall that’s fully kitted out in festive decor, Evelyn assures that the foodbank is far from a depressing place to visit.
She adds: “People think this is a sad place to be, but we really do have a good laugh. Most people are just so grateful, but we’re not here to judge. I think myself, if I never had the money for food, I would be so grateful too. And we’ve met so many lovely people.”
Hillington Park Church in Cardonald(Image: Glasgow Live)
But as the foodbank’s volunteers will point out, people are hungry throughout the year, not just during the festive period. And while they may receive some extra donations due to festive generosity, it’s crucial to remember that there are people in need through all 12 months of the year.
Claire said: “If you’re in a position to donate. We have an appeal that’s reached £5000 but we’re not stopping there, we’re going further.”
The foodbank manager’s ultimate goal is to see a community that no longer requires a service to feed those who are struggling. Instead, she hopes that one day, no one will be in a position where they have to rely on foodbanks.
She finishes: “I remember when I took the job, my one goal, and it’s still my one goal, is to be able to shut the door.”
You can donate to Glasgow South West’s Foodbank this Christmas through its Just Giving Page.