Huge increase in referrals to Clydesdale Food Bank

A total of 56 people used the service – giving out free food like tinned soup, beans, pastas, vegetables and fish – in December, compared to 44 the previous month.

Food Bank co-ordinator Liz Paton said: “I think it is very sad in this day and age that so many people with so little have to use the Food Bank.

“We had a lot of referrals over the festive period, including a lot of folk who couldn’t afford to pay their electricity or gas prices. They had to make the choice between heating their home or having food on the table.

“One elderly gentleman told me his electricity was costing him £40 a week. He said he was struggling to meet these payments and so was very grateful to get our food.”

On Monday, Clydesdale Food Bank moved from Hamilton Street – its base since March 2013 – to new premises at 66 High Street (next to Boots).

For more on this story pick up a copy of this week’s Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.