East Kilbride’s MP pulled up her sleeves to volunteer with Loaves and Fishes food bank in East Kilbride for those in need this festive season.

Joani Reid was joined by Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, Councillor Joe Fagan, and Councillor Mathew Buchanan demonstrating a united effort to support vulnerable families in the community.

During the visit, they met with volunteers who dedicate their time to providing essential support for local residents.

Together, they packed parcels filled with food and other necessities, which will be distributed to families and individuals struggling during this challenging time of year.

Loaves and Fishes has been a cornerstone of community support in East Kilbride, offering a helping hand to those who need it most.

Children in East Kilbride would face a bleak Christmas without help from Loaves and Fishes
Children in East Kilbride would face a bleak Christmas without help from Loaves and Fishes (Image: Les Hoggan Photography)

Joani Reid has pledged her continued support for tackling food insecurity and ensuring no one in the constituency is left behind.

Speaking after the visit, the MP said: “It was humbling to visit Loaves and Fishes and see the incredible work being done by their volunteers to support our community.

“No one should have to face food insecurity, and the dedication of this team ensures that many local families will have the support they need this Christmas. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lend a hand and highlight the importance of this vital service.”

The charity boasts a dedicated team of 60 volunteers
The charity boasts a dedicated team of 60 volunteers (Image: Les Hoggan Photography)

This festive season, Loaves and Fishes will be dishing out 890 emergency food parcels to needy families in East Kilbride.

This includes gifts for 400 children who would otherwise have nothing to open on Christmas morning.

These staggering numbers have rocketed from last year, which saw the food bank feed a total of 640 people – 190 families and more than 300 children.

Outside of the festive season, the charity help feed 250 desperate locals a week and that number continues to rise.

Chairwoman Lesley Davidson insists people can only survive the rising cost of living if communities help one another
Chairwoman Lesley Davidson insists people can only survive the rising cost of living if communities help one another (Image: Les Hoggan Photography)

Slamming the disparity between food banks and government support, chairwoman Lesley Davidson previously told Lanarkshire Live she has given up on lobbying for help as it’s “never going to come”.

She insists people can only survive the rising cost of living if communities help one another.

Councillor Joe Fagan added: “Loaves and Fishes work for the community at Christmas and all year round. It is always humbling to hear about their work, and I was more than happy and to chip in to help.

“Ultimately, we all want to live in a society where people do not have to rely on food banks. There will always be a place for volunteering and social conscience and helping people in need. But the numbers depending on food banks to make ends meet can and must fall.”

Councillor Mathew Buchanan commented: “Loaves and Fishes are a fantastic organisation, and they do incredible work in the community with some of the most vulnerable people in our area.

“I’ve worked closely with Lesley and her hard working, dedicated volunteers and I thank them for the opportunity to help out in the run up to Christmas.”

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