AS demand for food aid rises by a reported 200 per cent, food banks in Dumbarton and the Vale have warned that local families may go hungry if lockdown restrictions are further tightened.

West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare (WDCF) and Food for Thought are two of the first points of contact for locals who contact West Dunbartonshire Council’s crisis team looking for emergency help.

Both food banks have insisted they will do all they can for those who need it, regardless of restrictions – but need the help of the public via vital donations.

Clair Coyle from WDCF said: “We’re managing at the moment, even though we’ve had to reduce the team that’s working within our base.

“However, if there is a tighter lockdown then there will be further families affected, and the number of people needing help will go up.

“We’ve also seen a drop in the number of donations coming in, so we’ve got a worry about the number of stock we have to support a further increase [in demand].

“The way the virus seems to be progressing, with the infection rate a lot quicker, means we’re going to have to have a lot more people isolated and unable to leave their home, which will have a demand on our service and on Food For Thought.

“We still have our distribution centres closed due to the restrictions and will continue with delivery only until further notice.

“We feel that the delivery method is the safest way to provide support at this time.”

Lorraine McLeish of Food For Thought added: “Our demand has risen overall by over 200 per cent. This current lockdown has seen us having to deal with a lot more people in self isolation and needing deliveries of food aid.

“With a lockdown, there is of course an impact on our community, particularly in the number of people affected by food poverty.

“With schools being off, we know that brings an added pressure around food and food budgeting and it’s why we want people to know that we are open and here to help if we are needed.

“You can leave your home if you are coming to our office or distribution centres for emergency food aid and if questioned you should advise authorities you are attending a food bank.

“All Covid guidelines will be followed at our office and distribution centres.”

West Dunbartonshire Community Foodshare is available on 01389 764135, Tuesday to Friday from 10am-3pm. Food for Thought can be contacted Monday-Friday on 01389 743908.