The number of people using Renfrewshire Foodbank continues to grow – but kind donations from local people ensured there were enough supplies to last over Christmas.

From the start of April 2018 until the end of March 2019, the foodbank received 95 tonnes of donations and gave out 100 tonnes to a total of 10,200 people.

This Christmas, people received food parcels and meat vouchers for John Marshall & Son, in Johnstone, Graeme’s Butchers, in Paisley, and Bannatyne Butchers, in Renfrew.

Renfrewshire Foodbank project manager Elizabeth Alexander has thanked all those who have played their part in helping people in need.

Elizabeth said: “The number of people we’re helping has definitely increased and our donations have increased in response to that.

“We’re extremely grateful that the Renfrewshire community is so willing to support us. It’s the people of Renfrewshire that keep us going. Without their help, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.

“We have a tremendous team of volunteers and work closely with charities, churches and schools to make sure no-one goes without.”

On December 18 alone, the foodbank provided parcels for 75 people within five hours.

Renfrewshire Foodbank links up with various community organisations to provide a lifeline service.

It has also been working with St Mirren Football Club on the Festive Friends initiative to provide support to those who spent Christmas on their own.

Renfrewshire Council employees donate to the foodbank through the local authority’s Foodbank Food Rush initiative.

Since the initiative started in 2014, more than 130,000 items have been donated. A three-week collection at the council’s headquarters in June gathered enough food to supply more than 1,000 meals.

Renfrewshire Foodbank operates from Paisley Central Baptist Church. You can find out more online here.