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Citizens of Falkirk are finding it increasingly more difficult to purchase food given the rising prices. Food is getting more expensive and wages just aren’t keeping up. Volunteers are providing help through these aid services aim to stamp out hunger.

Falkirk Foodbank is a local affiliate of Trussell Trust, which is a national charity organised to collect food donations and distribute those items to the people who are temporarily unable to pay for meals at home. The local organisation opened its first location on Tamfourhill Avenue in response to the growing need for emergency food assistance in the town of Falkirk. This is currently the only distribution centre, though other locations are planned to bring help closer to the people that have difficulty travelling.

This charity hands over parcels of food to local citizens who have experienced a recent crisis that is causing substantial hardship to themselves and those who live in their households. Each parcel contains items that were received through donation drives. Private citizens, businesses and even supermarkets provide the bulk of the aid that is received for distribution. Everyone seems to get on board for the cause, rising to the occasion whenever an appeal for donations is made.

Falkirk Foodbank is committed to connecting people with the services they need. Part of this commitment is evident through the requirement that a person present a voucher prior to receiving a food hamper. Vouchers are only available through community partners. These include other aid organisations, doctors, money advisers and Falkirk Social Work offices (Bo’ness, Brockville, Camelon, Denny, Grangemouth, Laurieston, Meadowbank and Stenhousemuir). This relationship helps to avoid a cycle of permanent dependency that is sometimes criticised by political leaders. A voucher is proof that the person was referred by a partner who believes the client could benefit from donated food as a part of an overall action plan.

Anyone who is a resident of Falkirk Council area may request aid. Enquiries on 07809 340918 can confirm operating hours as well as to provide the names of partner organisations that can provide a referral voucher. Over 300 parcels are distributed every month.

The Salvation Army also provides emergency food parcels to citizens in need. This local chapter is not a regular food bank. Instead it actually provides hot meals to Falkirk residents through a soup kitchen.

People come here to receive a quick meal when they cannot get help anywhere else. Many are suddenly homeless due to a crisis that recently occurred. Others are struggling with a temporary hardship.

A food parcel can be provided to some clients who need additional help. It is part of the service provided by the volunteers, doing whatever they can to ease the financial burden on a family in need.

Food parcels are provided at the same site as the soup kitchen, which is located on 1 Woodside Court in Falkirk. This is the site of the Worship & Community Centre. More information is available by calling 01324 627425. It should be noted that this is not the same location as the Salvation Army’s Furniture ReUse Showroom though it is funded by that operation.

A typical food parcel by either organisation contains enough non-perishable food items to last an average family for three days, assuming three meals per day. Often this is part of a bigger aid package offered by multiple partners.

In addition to the programmes listed above, the agency provides other support to the low income in the region. This ranges from housing solutions to job training and Christmas meals. Read Falkirk Salvation Army services.