A food bank that opened a ‘warm hub’, so people could save money on their energy bills, had 150 kids and 70 adults booked in to use their facilities over the October break.
Old Kilpatrick Food Parcels (OKFP) decided to open up an area of their Station Road unit after staff noticed people were hanging around longer to avoid going back to their cold houses.
As an extra incentive for families, who would be facing a spike in energy costs over the October holidays with kids in the house more, OKFP has begun showing free movies every day and giving away free snacks to try and save families money.
Maureen Cummings of OKFP has noticed a massive increase in the uptake since starting the film initiative, she said: “For the past couple of years, during the school holidays, we have tried to offer free lunches to kids. We never got a good uptake on it. We used to have lots left.
“This year, we have tried a different approach and have offered free lunches whilst showing a movie.
“Today, we have 26 children and 16 adults in here for two and a half hours to watch a movie.
“The big attraction of it is that they don’t need to be at home using their utilities, meaning they have one less thing to worry about for a few hours.
“Every family that was here yesterday were working families.
“With the rise in the cost of living, for big families to stay indoors all day, when there may be a reluctance to use their heating, is worrying.”
Two mothers who brought their children to OKFP were Michelle Whelan, 39, and Charlene Brown, 33, who were grateful for the charity as they struggle with soaring energy bills.
Michelle said: “Charlene has three kids, and if you’re taking your kids out, it is extortionate alongside your gas and electricity. It is so expensive.
“I work part-time, and you do second guess yourself before you come to places like this because you think there are people that need it more, but the thing is, everyone is struggling and in the same boat.
“I have just moved house, and my electricity isn’t even up and running yet, and already my finances are tight, so when that does come in, that’s another expense to worry about. My gas is going away like that.”
Charlene added: “Prices are just going up and up.”
Many families have been returning to OKFP, including Grandmother and Granddaughter, Isabelle and Arya.
Isabelle Black, 63, from Harris Road, returned with little Arya and is planning to come back again, she said: “She has been talking about it all morning. ‘I want to go. I want to go. Are we ready yet?’ She absolutely loves it. We know we can come any day during the holidays.”
Excited seven-year-old Arya, adoring her goody bag, added: “I love it here.”
Kids are given popcorn, hotdogs, sweets, drinks and chocolate spread sandwiches, amongst other things, all donated to by local shops.
However, despite the foodbank as a whole seeing its numbers spike since the start of the year, much of it down to the cost of living, their donations have not.
Maureen said: “To put it into perspective, in January, we gave food to 61 families, but then in September, our figure was 531 households. The increase has been more than tenfold.
“At the beginning of the pandemic and before it, it was predominantly unemployed and those on low income using our services, now it is everyone.
“We are averaging 150 households per week using our pantry. You then have to multiply that by how many people are staying in those houses.
“It is scary because the demand for food is not being satisfied by the number of donations coming in.”
To find out more or donate to the foodbank visit - https://okfp.org.uk/donate/
