Another foodbank to open in South Ayrshire

Mar 8 2013 by Stuart Wilson, Ayrshire Post

It is a sad sign of the times that they are needed.

But, with more than 1000 hungry mouths already fed, South Ayrshire’s latest foodbank is set to open.

Maybole is the newest distribution point for the charity behind the project.

The Trussell Trust is aiming to give food relief to individuals and families facing hardship.

Since opening a base in Prestwick last year, a worrying trend has emerged.

And South Ayrshire is now the charity’s fourth-busiest foodbank in the whole of Scotland.

That has led to further hand-out points opening in Ayr and Girvan during the last 12 months.

And, with demand showing no sign of dropping, Maybole will follow on March 18.

Project manager Ellen Mitchell said: “The foodbank was opened in Prestwick last May for a very good reason.

“But we never anticipated being this busy.

“It became obvious that demand in North Ayr, Girvan and Maybole was very large and we’ve worked hard to source premises.”

The Carrick Centre will play host to Maybole’s distribution point when it opens its doors.

And organisers hope service users get a welcome boost.

Ellen added: “The range of people who use the foodbank would surprise you.

“One person walked an eight mile round trip last week to pick up their food.

“When that kind of thing happens it underlines how important the service is.

“It’s not a replacement for the weekly food shop. We just want to get people back on their feet.”