Colleagues recently visited the Dunfermline foodbank to present their donation. Their branch has been busier than ever this year and the high demand for support will continue throughout the next few months.

Project manager Sandra Beveridge expressed her gratitude for the donation at this crucial time. She said: “Last year, we helped over 9,000 people and it looks like we are on track to help even more this year. We have seen a rise in first-time users to the foodbank and almost a third of all users are children aged 16 and below.

“During December, everyone who uses our foodbanks receives a toy or gift. We also give out seasonal goods like advent calendars, selection boxes and tins of biscuits, over and above the normal food package of three meals for three days for each person. In addition, ‘free tables’ in each of our foodbanks have a selection of new hats, gloves and scarves, as well as things like Christmas wrapping paper and cards.

“It’s a busy time of year and our volunteers work tirelessly to make sure no one goes without. Thank you to Fife Housing Group for donating again this year – your support will go a long way in helping people in food crisis this winter.’

Fife Housing Group wants to continue addressing the cost of living crisis through its events and other activities in 2024.

The funding from the ‘Giving Something Back’ programme is due to the generosity of the Group’s contractors who have joined its charitable framework and pledged to donate 2% of their invoiced costs to benefit these worthy causes. This year, the programme has also awarded £20,000 to 13 local groups and projects all over Fife.

The Giving Something Back Grants programme will run again next year, with applications open to any charitable organisation operating in Fife. More information will be available on Fife Housing Group’s website and social media channels in the coming months.