This month alone, Food Facts Friends has provided food to almost 400 people (237 adults and 146 children) and since the end of August, following a move to a new Penicuik hub, the group has provided food to over 1,500 people (946 adults and 592 children).

It’s busiest day ever, which came during the first coronavirus wave earlier in the year, saw the group provide food to 141 people.

“With the return of coronavirus and the re-imposition of restrictions by the government, we have seen a significant rise in the number of people calling on our services,” said project leader Mark Wells.

“With winter and Christmas approaching this can only get worse as families juggle with ‘heat or eat’ decisions as well as providing some Christmas cheer for their families.

“Melville’s very generous donation will help us as we gear up for our annual Christmas specials, providing hampers with Christmas lunches for both families and those who will be forced to celebrate on their own this year. We continue to collect supplies, from supermarkets and local businesses, purchasing ready meals and meat and poultry products from three local businesses that would have otherwise been forced to close due to lockdown rules.”

“We’re delighted to have been able to help Mark and his team with the fantastic work they do,” said Melville’s Acting Housing Manager Jane Burnett. “Christmas can be a really tough time and this year, more than ever before, foodbanks everywhere need our help. I have no doubt that Mark and his team will put this money to excellent use.”