WEST Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare is asking everyone to dig deep and donate to help combat the summer holiday hunger shortage.

Foodshare board member Claire Coyle, 43, from Drumry, said that they are expecting more parents to struggle to feed their kids this summer without the safety net of pre-school and breakfast club meals.

Coyle said: “In the summer, it's generally more expensive to occupy kids and do things with them.

“We're hoping to provide more to cover the shortfall from pre-school and breakfast club meals. Struggling families also need help with school uniforms."

Around 60 people use the service each week and they are expecting at least another 20 this summer.

The Post spoke with a father-of-two who uses the Foodshare each week. He has been unable to work for 18 months because of a trapped nerve in his arm that leaves it shaking uncontrollably. His wife has been waiting for surgery on an injured knee for six months.

"I was a bus driver all my days. I've worked all my life yet if it wasn't for the Foodshare, I'd have nothing in the house," the man, who asked not to be named, said.

"I've got a 13-year-old and a 15-year-old. I'd really struggle to feed them if it wasn't for this. I do without to give them what I can.

"We don't drink. Our money doesn't go to that. Once we've paid for bus fairs, electricity and bought the kids what they need, there's nothing left.

"It's difficult to keep them having the same as their pals."

Another Foodshare user has had custody of her grandson since October. Without the service, she would seriously struggle.

"I don't know what I'd do without this," she said. "The work they do here is great, you are treated like a human being."

The Foodshare are appealing for non-perishable items like tins and packets. They're especially appealing this summer for breakfast and lunch items for kids, such as cereal and soup. Treats like diluting juice are also appreciated.

Donations can be made at any Citizen's Advice office, the Golden Jubliee Hispital, Sainsbury's in Drumchapel, Asda in Clydebank and Morrisons in Dumbarton.

There are also three sessions to collect or donate food: at Radnor Park Church on Fridays from 1-2.30pm, Alexandria Community Centre on Thursdays from 10am to 12pm, and the Concord Community Centre on Fridays from 11am to 1pm.

You can also donate via text by sending WDCF44 then the amount to 70070.