A NEW 'baby bank' is to be set up in Inverclyde to help families who can't afford basics like milk and nappies.
Inverclyde Foodbank has marked its fifth birthday by launching a new appeal to help even more families in crisis.
Since opening their doors in 2012 they have fed 17,000 people, including 4,000 children.
At a big collection day this weekend they will ask the public to help by donating essentials like bottles and baby food to help local tots
Pastor Fraser Donaldson, who set up the foodbank, said: "We are launching a baby bank after speaking to local health professionals.
"We were told that families with babies get a voucher for £3.10 a week to go towards basics."
"I think we all know that wouldn't even cover the nappies that they need.
"There are so many families struggling and it is heartbreaking."
The foodbank hope that with the public's support they can help by providing the likes of formula milk which costs around £10 and lasts a week.
They are also hoping to get regular donations of nappies, bottles, steriliser fluids and other essentials.
The Foodbank was set up five years by the Greenock Elim Church in partnership with the Trussell Trust as part of their wider i58 project to combat poverty.
They now have no fewer than 128 organisations, including social work and charities, referring people to the foodbank for help.
Fraser added: "There are one in five people in Inverclyde living in poverty.
"That means the likelihood is someone in your street, your work, your neighbour, your friend or even your family is struggling."
Statistics show that 44 per cent of all those needing help from the foodbank are forced to seek it because of benefit changes and delays. 
Fraser added: "There is no such thing as a typical person using a foodbank.
"Some of them have life controlling issues, some are holding down jobs but they all need help."
At their big collection on Saturday volunteers will be in Tesco in both Greenock and Port Glasgow, Morrisons, Sainsbury's, the Oak Mall, Marks & Spencer and local Co-op shops.
Foodbank manager Ian Esson added: "We hope people will show their support.
"We always get such a great reaction to any appeals we have."
Anyone who would like to volunteer on the day should call 07506 530638.