With the rising cost of living, many families across the UK are struggling to put food on the table this Christmas, and all year round.
In 2024, Trussel, the largest food bank provider in the UK, reported that it handed out 239,503 food parcels across Scotland. The recipients are disproportionately vulnerable populations such as disabled people, asylum seekers, and people from ethnic minorities.
But hunger affects us all, while, according to many, food banks are rarely used as a one-off or short-term solution. According to data from Trussle and the Independent Food Aid Network, food banks are a symptom of low wages, not brief financial hardships. The rise in usage and establishment of food banks across the UK is symptomatic of the cost-of-living crisis.
Regardless of cause, there are people in our local community going hungry this Christmas, and there is something you can do about it.
Start Up Stirling reports that last year, they helped 900 people over the two-week Christmas period, giving out 500 Christmas dinners. With food bank usage on the rise and donations dropping, we all have to lend a helping hand.
Start Up Stirling is asking for community support, requesting any and all donations, particularly those of:
- Tinned pasta
- Coffee
- Cereal bars
- Tinned meat
- Tinned soup/ cup-a-soup
You can donate non-perishable items to any of their donation stations across Stirling. A full list can be found here.
Additionally, to get into the festive spirit, Start Up Stirling has published a reverse advent calendar, listing one item each day to buy and then donate at the start of January. The winter months are the busiest time of year for them, not only the festive period but beyond.
If you are not able to purchase these items, financial support is always welcome and encouraged; it only takes £22 to support a single person, and they need to raise at least £4500 a month to purchase fresh foods to supplement the donated dried and canned goods. Financial support helps keep the lights on in the warehouse and gets food to the people who need it.
It’s not too late to start collecting your Advent calendar items and help feed the community this winter.
Featured image credit: Spencer Haynes
Spencer is a final year History and English student, Food Editor, President of the Baking society, and perpetual events planner of her friend group
