MORE families than ever before are turning to the local foodbank as the number of children relying on donations reaches a record high.

Inverclyde Foodbank has reported a 20 per cent rise in the number of youngsters who live in a home where their parents cannot afford to buy food.

The foodbank, run in partnership with the Trussell Trust, has helped helped 935 youngsters in the last year compared with 700 in the previous 12 months.

New figures show that in total 3,574 people were referred to the foodbank – an overall increase of 15 per cent.

The charity blames the roll out of the controversial universal credit system and continued problems with benefit payments as a key factor. 

Inverclyde Foodbank manager Ian Esson said: “It is deeply concerning that we are seeing an increase of 15 per cent in the number of three-day emergency food supplies provided to local people in crisis in Inverclyde over the last year.

“Anybody could find themselves in need of the foodbank.

“Every week people are referred    to us after being hit by something unavoidable – such as illness, a delay in a benefit payment or an unexpected bill meaning food is simply unaffordable.”

The charity today thanked the local community for their continued support, with 38.3 tonnes of food donated in the last 12 months.

Manager Ian Esson said: “Thank-you so much to everyone in Inverclyde who already donates time, food and money to help local people.

By supporting Inverclyde Foodbank,you are literally transforming the lives of the men, women and children who find themselves experiencing a crisis.”

To find out more visit www.inverclyde.foodbank.org.uk