Charity serves up four million meals since start of pandemic

A charity has donated a record 1681 tonnes of food – equivalent to more than four million meals – to vulnerable people and families since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.

FareShare Glasgow and The West of Scotland, run by homelessness prevention charity Move On, says demand has more than tripled since the beginning of lockdown.

Through a network of charities and community groups, FareShare has been able to distribute the surplus supermarket stock right across the region – from Dumfries and Galloway to Mull.

The charity estimates that since lockdown restrictions came into force, as many as 72,000 people are now accessing its services each week.

Jim Burns, director of operations, said: “Many more individuals and families are finding themselves in really difficult circumstances because of the lockdown restrictions, and demand for our food has risen steeply.

“We distributed a little over one million meal portions in the same period last year, so to see that number rise to four million really is staggering.”

Mr Burns praised his “incredible” team of volunteers who have gone “above and beyond during lockdown” to make sure those in need are fed.

He also highlighted that several local wholesalers donated stock that would have otherwise gone to waste when they were forced to close.

In addition, schools and dental practices also donated gloves, masks and hand sanitiser to keep the FareShare team safe.

Mr Burns added: “It’s been really heartening to see the community come together during the crisis to help make sure vulnerable people don’t go hungry.”

Charities and community groups interested in accessing food can contact the FareShare Glasgow and the West of Scotland warehouse on 0141 958 1133.