A LOCAL food bank is set to get a cash boost to help it support families struggling with the cost of living crisis.
West Dunbartonshire Community Food Share [WDCFS] will receive £55,000 over the next three years - £18,403 annually.
It comes after members of West Dunbartonshire Council's [WDC] corporate services committee agreed to support the charity through the Dumbarton Common Good Fund.
The money will be used to cover rental and running costs for the charity’s Dumbarton premises.
Clair Coyle, a trustee at WDCFS, said the funding would "make a real difference".
Clair added: "We would like to thank the Council for this vital support that will make a real difference to the many families we support.
“Knowing our rent and running costs are covered over the next three years will give us peace of mind and enable us to focus on continuing to provide our much-needed services for all residents across West Dunbartonshire."
WDCFS supports people across the region by offering emergency food supplies, holiday brunch bags, and a school uniform bank.
It also collects and delivers presents from its toy bank at Christmas to ensure local children have gifts to open on Christmas Day.
Families visiting the charity are also signposted to support agencies.
Councillor Daniel Lennie, Convener of Corporate Services, added: "I recognise the critical role that food banks play in supporting our residents and I'm delighted this funding was approved today.
“This group has been a lifeline for residents who rely on groups like this for the important and essential services they provide.
“I'm sure this money will make a positive impact on the lives of those in our community who are struggling, particularly during these challenging times.
“As a Council, we are dedicated to ensuring financial help is available to organisations who play a vital role in supporting some of our most vulnerable residents."
WDC has committed £1,000 to support food banks in the region every week.
This additional £52,000 in funding will help to buy food items to supplement donations from the public and businesses.
The local authority has also invested £1m to help community organisations with their cost of living initiatives.
Other investments include the creation of a household energy fund of £250,000 and an ‘innovative’ partnership with major energy suppliers to ensure residents experiencing significant levels of fuel poverty receive support and early intervention to maintain their utility supply.
Free swimming and gym sessions for school pupils will also be on offer during the school holidays at West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust facilities.
Councillor Michelle McGinty, Vice Convener of Corporate Services and chair of the Council's cross-party Cost of Living Working Group said: "This money will help ease the financial burden on the great work carried out by this group, which is clearly making a difference to the lives of many residents across West Dunbartonshire.
"I am delighted that we are able to financially support these efforts and I would like to thank them for their continued hard work.”
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