MORE than 1,000 emergency food parcels were provided to people in Tweeddale in the last year.

Data collected by Peeblesshire Foodbank shows that 1,053 packages were given to those who couldn’t afford the essentials between April 2021 and March 2022.

This marks an increase of 42 per cent on the figures collected for 2019-20.

The foodbank, which is part of the Trussell Trust network, believes that the rise in people requiring support is due to the cost of living increasing, the loss of £20 a week from Universal Credit payments over the last year and social security payments not covering the cost of essentials.

Fiona Dalgleish, Peeblesshire Foodbank manager, said: “It’s not right that anyone in Peeblesshire needs our food bank in the first place – everyone should be able to afford the essentials.”

The data collected by the foodbank also shows that the number of children being helped by the organisation has increased by 79 per cent.

Ms Dalgleish said: “At the moment the situation is only set to get worse, as this is just the start of the cost of living crisis.

“But we know what’s pushing people to need food banks like ours, so we know what needs to be done.

“People cannot afford to wait any longer for support – UK, national and local governments at all levels must use their powers and take urgent action now to strengthen our social security system so it keeps up with the true cost of living.”

The Trussell Trust said that it has experienced the busiest winter outwith the height of the pandemic in 2020, and across its network between April 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 it provided more than 2.1 million parcels to people on low incomes.

Ms Dalgleish said that the “generous support” of the local community and volunteers have helped people facing hunger.

She added: “The support we see across the community for people on the lowest incomes is incredible.

“But it shouldn’t be needed. We should all be free from hunger.

“No one should be pushed deeper into poverty without enough money for the things we all need.

“There’ll always be a role for strong community groups looking out for their neighbours, and we’re so grateful for the generous support of our volunteers and to local people who have donated to the food bank.

“Together, you’ve made sure that local people who can’t afford the essentials don’t face hunger.”

For more information, visit: www.peeblesshire.foodbank.org.uk