Have you ever wondered who uses the foodbank? What is it that leads to food insecurity? And who is at risk of food poverty in Scotland?
At Kirkcaldy Foodbank, we’re often asked the question – what kind of people turn to the foodbank for support? Well, we’ve been operating now for more than 10 years at Kirkcaldy Foodbank and we can tell you you that hunger does not discriminate.
"Isn’t it just lazy people and scroungers who can’t be bothered to work who end up at the foodbank?"
That is one of the myths that some people with no personal experience or understanding of foodbanks believe about why individuals and families might need to turn to a foodbank for support.
However, that view is simply incorrect and this article shares some insights from the foodbank to explain what it’s really like – first-hand from the people who know best.
The truth is we see a wide range of people from all walks of life, occupations, social classes, race, age, gender and beliefs. It’s also important to remember that most of us are only a missed pay cheque or two away from having to turn to services such as this for support ourselves.
Many people who turn to us for support are suffering in some way, be it from a sudden tragedy or major life change, an illness or lack of social support networks to fall back on.
Kirkcaldy Foodbank: A beacon of hope for individuals in crisis
At Kirkcaldy Foodbank, we have supported thousands of families and individuals over the years through some of the most challenging times in their lives. Our doors are open to anyone in need, and the stories of those who seek our help are as diverse as they are poignant. Here, we share just some of the types of individuals and families we have assisted, highlighting the wide range of circumstances that can lead to food insecurity and crisis. Kirkcaldy Foodbank regularly sees more than 800 people a week in need of support, including more than 562 adults and 279 children.
Bereaved families
Bereaved families who have lost the main breadwinner and don’t know where to turn.
One of the most heart-wrenching situations we encounter is that of bereaved families who have lost their main breadwinner. The sudden loss plunges these families into financial turmoil, leaving them unsure of where to turn. The grief is compounded by the stress of not knowing how they will be able to afford to pay their bills or even where their next meal is coming from. Our food parcels provide immediate relief and a sense of hope during such dark times.
2. Working individuals on low incomes
Working class people on low incomes who struggle when suddenly hit with very high mortgages, rent or bill increases.
In today's economic climate, even those with stable jobs can find themselves in crisis. We have helped countless working individuals whose low incomes are suddenly stretched beyond breaking point by skyrocketing mortgages, rent increases and utility bills. Despite their hard work, they struggle to keep up with the cost of living, and our support helps bridge the gap between their earnings and their essential needs through a time of crisis.
3. Victims of domestic violence
Parents and children fleeing domestic violence, who are often displaced miles from home.
Parents and children fleeing domestic violence often arrive at our foodbank displaced and distressed, having left behind their homes and support networks. These families face immense uncertainty and need immediate assistance to rebuild their lives. Our foodbank offers not only nourishment but also a semblance of stability as they navigate their way to safety and independence.
4. Families with additional needs
Families with disabled children or sick relatives who need to have the heating on round the clock, meaning their bills cost much higher than average.
Some families with additional needs turn to us for support, including families with disabled children or sick relatives who require round-the-clock care. The constant need for heating and specialised equipment drains their finances, leaving little for other necessities. Our aid helps these families manage their unique challenges without having to choose between essential medical care and food.
5. Redundancy
Recently redundant workers who had been working their entire lives.
We have sadly seen many individuals who had worked diligently their entire lives but suddenly faced redundancy. The loss of a job can be devastating, particularly for those who have never before needed assistance. Our foodbank provides a crucial safety net, allowing these individuals to maintain their dignity while they seek new employment opportunities.
6. Overworked and undernourished professionals
Professionals such as nurses, support workers, hospitality staff and even teachers at your local schools.
Among the many who come to us are professionals such as nurses who work gruelling hours but still struggle to make ends meet. We assisted one nurse who, despite working more than 50 hours a week, found herself unable to keep up with her rent and bills after her relationship ended. Our support ensured she did not go hungry while she worked to stabilise her situation.
7. Individuals facing sudden crisis
A relationship end, a betrayal, bankruptcy or a disaster such as a house fire or sudden illness.
Financial crises can strike anyone, regardless of their background. You never know when a sudden illness can prevent someone from working or a betrayal from a loved one can leave people with nowhere else to turn. We helped a woman from a middle-class family whose partner’s hidden gambling addiction left her more than £100,000 in debt and with no means of support. Her world turned upside down overnight when he left her and she discovered the lies he had been hiding, and our foodbank became a lifeline as she began to rebuild her life from scratch.
8. Single parents sacrificing for their children
Single parents going without themselves while still struggling to make ends meet for their little ones.
Among the most poignant stories are those of single parents who skip meals and go without so their children can eat. These parents face the daily struggle of making impossible choices, prioritising their children’s nutrition over their own. They also battle with the shame and fear that their child will miss out and feel inadequate compared to their peers at school. Stressed parents often explain to us how they do everything they can to protect their children from knowing about their situations while barely keeping things together for themselves. Our foodbank offers a critical lifeline, ensuring that both parents and children receive the nourishment they need to survive and thrive.
9. Young people and children
The impact hunger has on children’s growth and development.
Although many parents try everything they can to protect their children from hunger and prioritise their needs above all, some still don’t have enough. The effects of hunger are most acutely felt by children. Without adequate nutrition, children’s ability to play, learn and grow is severely impacted. Hunger hampers their physical and cognitive development, making it difficult for them to engage fully with school and other activities. Our support helps to ensure that children receive the vital nutrition they need, enabling them to reach their full potential and engage meaningfully with their education and community. In 2023 alone, we provided enough food for more than 368,400 meals, with more than one-third of the food going to children.
10. Severely exhausted and malnourished individuals
Hunger has a real, physical effect on the body – as humans we would die without food.
We encounter people in severe states of exhaustion and malnutrition. One individual fell asleep in our waiting room, physically and mentally exhausted, having not eaten for three days. Another elderly gentleman collapsed from hunger outside our foodbank. Our volunteers provided immediate care, ensuring they had something to eat and drink while preparing food parcels to sustain them. These acts of kindness and the provision of essential supplies can literally be life-saving.
The heart of Kirkcaldy Foodbank
Each person who walks through our doors has a unique story of hardship and resilience. The common thread is the critical need for support during their most vulnerable moments. At Kirkcaldy Foodbank, we strive to meet these needs with compassion and dignity, providing more than just food – we offer hope, stability and a sense of community.
With 1.2 million people in Scotland facing food insecurity daily, the demand for our services has been increasing. In 2023, there was an 11.5% increase in demand for our services. We are struggling to keep up with this demand, spending up to £26,400 a month on food. Your donations and support make it possible for us to continue this vital work. Together, we can help those in crisis find their feet and move towards a brighter future.
No-one should go hungry.
Together we can end hunger.
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