Local MP visits Peterhead Foodbank

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford visited Joseph’s Storehouse – Peterhead’s foodbank – yesterday (Monday) to meet with the volunteers who run it and hear at first hand about the lifeline support which it provides to the local community.

(l to r): Christine Summers and Sheena Gordon
of the Joseph Storehouse with Eilidh Whiteford MP

The facility, which started operations in April 2013, is based at the Apex Centre in Broad Street and is run by volunteers from the church.

Speaking after her visit to Joseph’s Storehouse, Eilidh said:

“I was very pleased to be able to visit Joseph’s Storehouse to learn about the very valuable support the volunteers are providing to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.

“It was good to meet the volunteers from the Apex Church who manage the foodbank, who work with a wide range of statutory and voluntary sector agencies to make sure that those in need get support. Most of the donations come through church members who give small amounts on a regular basis.

“Across Scotland, foodbank use has increased fivefold in the last year, with increases driven by mostly steep hikes in the cost of living – especially for essentials like food and heating – and the UK Government’s cuts to welfare provision.

“No-one in a country as prosperous as Scotland should be dependent on food parcels. Although Peterhead is one of the wealthier parts of Scotland, it’s important to remember that there are significant numbers of people struggling on very low incomes in our community.”