The figures reveal that in 2018/19, 210,605 people turned to Trussell Trust foodbanks, this is an increase of over 100,000 in five years.

An additional 159,849 food parcels were given out by independent food banks in Scotland in 2018/19, with the figures following a trend of increased demand since the roll out of the UK Government’s Universal Credit policy.

Shona Robison MSP

Shona Robison MSP said: “There is no getting away from the fact the Tories’ welfare changes and cuts are to blame for rising poverty and debt, homelessness and the need for foodbanks.

“The grim reality is that the poorest in our society are being forced to choose between feeding their families and heating their homes – something which DWP ministers have finally admitted to, but done nothing to fix.

“Under the Tories, poverty has risen dramatically, yet day after day, Tory government representatives obstinately refuse to acknowledge the turmoil their policies are causing and plough on with brutal cuts regardless.

“This new Tory government must heed the warnings of front-line organisations all over the country, and act before more families and children and are pushed into poverty on their watch.”