Following the Trussell Trust forecast to provide more than one million emergency food parcels between December 2023 and February 2024 – the most parcels ever provided across this period, TIS encouraged guests attending the free gathering to bring along food and toiletry items.

The Trussell Trust is a nationwide network and supports 43 foodbanks in Scotland, distributing parcels at over 120 venues, and in 26 local authorities. Between 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023, these food banks distributed 259,744 emergency food parcels, including almost 90,000 parcels for children. This is the most food parcels ever distributed in Scotland, and a 30% increase compared to the same period last year.

All of 110kg of donations received from the kind-hearted TIS community will be delivered to the Hamilton District Foodbank and will provide support for local people and families who may be experiencing crisis or difficulties.

The ‘TIS the Season festive gathering is an annual event, hosted by TIS, exclusively for its key partnerships and representatives from across its membership community to say thank you for their continued and valued support throughout the year. TIS also launched its calendar of events for the upcoming year at the event.

Ilene Campbell, TIS chief executive, said: “This rising need for food parcels reflects the impact that the rising cost of living is having on people in Scotland. The team and I would like to say a massive thank you to the TIS community for their efforts in raising awareness for the Trussell Trust and for giving so generously.”

Anyone thinking of donating to the Trussell Trust can check their website for further information.