Highland 'food poverty' warning

from the BBC

An urgent appeal for food for families and individuals in need has been made by a Highland charity.

Blythswood Care, known for transporting relief aid to Eastern Europe, said there has been an increased demand in the Highlands over the winter months.

It warned that it had already helped 340 people this year and that stocks were running low.

The Highland Food Bank gives a three-day supply of foodstuffs to households in financial crises.

The scheme aims to make sure that no-one goes hungry while their problems are being resolved.

The charity said there could be a number of reasons for the rise, including an increased awareness of the service among care professionals who distribute vouchers and a delay in benefit payments.

Appeals are currently being organised through local schools and churches but Blythswood said public donations were needed now.

Co-ordinator Lorna Dempster said that the Highland Food Bank helped more than 1,700 people in 2007 - an increase of 70% over the previous year, when 1,000 clients were helped.