NEARLY three-and-a-half thousand Inverclyde people are relying on foodbank handouts, the Telegraph can reveal.

The shocking figure — which includes 938 children — has been released by the Trussell Trust charity, which runs the desperately needed service.

MSP Stuart McMillan today branded the statistics an ‘absolute disgrace’ and blamed benefit changes by the UK Government for the crisis.

Meanwhile, the Trussell Trust — a Christian organisation — said that the number of people needing foodbank assistance in Inverclyde was part of an astonishing 400 per cent increase throughout Scotland.

The charity said that there were three ‘main problems’ which have caused people to turn to its service — benefit delays, low income and benefit changes.

A spokesman said: “Many referred due to low income were found to be in work and the vast majority of benefit changes were found to be related to benefit sanctions.” The SNP’s Mr McMillan, inset, said: “It is an absolute disgrace that in a country as wealthy as Scotland, Westminster’s actions have forced 3,458 people in Inverclyde, including 938 children, to rely on foodbanks to survive.

“This situation is only going to get worse if we remain part of the UK.

“All the main UK parties are competing to see who can be tougher on benefits — with the most vulnerable in society losing out.

“Only a few weeks ago Labour MPs voted alongside Tories to put a limit on all welfare spending.

“It doesn’t have to be this way and the referendum in September gives Scotland the chance to do things differently.” Bosses at the Big Lottery Fund today confirmed they are making a near £1m contribution towards the Trussell Trust’s work in Inverclyde and elsewhere in Scotland.

The £944,708 cash injection will enable the employment of a ‘team of dedicated staff’ to assist the work of foodbanks.

More than 90 per cent of food given out by Trussell Trust foodbanks is donated by the public.

Everyone who comes to one of the outlets is referred by a professional such as a social worker, health visitor or schools liaison officer.