A West Dunbartonshire foodbank is to receive £46,000 of funding for the next three years.
Members of West Dunbartonshire Council Corporate Services Committee agreed to support Food For Thought by providing funding for the next three years from the Dumbarton Common Good Fund.
The money will be used to cover rental costs for the charity’s Dumbarton premises in the Artizan Centre.
The charity offers support to residents experiencing the effects of poverty by offering emergency food supplies, as well as access to a free lunch and drink in the local church. The charity also signposts residents to local support agencies.
Lorraine Little, Operation Administrator from Food For Thought said the funding offered the charity “great peace of mind.”
She said: “We are delighted to receive this funding from the Council. Their commitment to fund our rent over the next three years is vital and gives us great peace of mind and eases the financial burden that we don’t have to worry about the rent. The cost of everything is increasing and there’s never been a greater need for our services. I would like to thank the Council for their valued and continued support, which is helping us make a real difference to the many families we support.”
Labour councillors Daniel Lennie and Michelle McGinty.
Councillor Daniel Lennie, Convener of Corporate Services, said: “I recognise the critical role that food banks play in supporting our residents and I’m delighted this funding was approved. As a Council we are committed to looking after our vulnerable residents by supporting services and groups that provide a vital lifeline to residents. I’m sure this money will have a positive impact on families who are struggling, particularly during these challenging times. As a Council we are dedicated to ensuring financial help is available to organisations who support some of our most vulnerable residents.”
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 ensure the great work carried out by Food For Thought, which is clearly making a difference to the lives of many residents across West Dunbartonshire, can continue. I am delighted that we are able to financially support their efforts and I would like to thank them for their continued hard work.”
Meanwhile, community groups in West Dunbartonshire have benefited from more than £103,000 in Council grants to support vulnerable and disadvantaged residents.
A total of £45,000 of funding from the Community Chest Grant Scheme was given to organisations to use for equipment, running costs, activities for children and older residents, community events, and activities for disabled children.
Groups also received more than £58,000 from the Social Transport Grant for projects to reduce social isolation and transport group members to and from clubs and activities.
In addition West Dunbartonshire Community Volunteer Service (WDCVS), who administer these funds on the Council’s behalf, re-routed applicants to other sources of funding resulting in successful applications for more than £321,000 in funding.
Councillor Daniel Lennie, Convener of Corporate Services, said: “This money has been a lifeline for residents who rely on these community groups for the important and essential services they provide. “As a Council we are committed to ensuring financial help is available to the many organisations who play a vital role in supporting some of our most vulnerable residents.”
Councillor Michelle McGinty, Vice Convener of Corporate Services, said: “This money helps to sustain the great work carried out by these groups which is clearly making a difference to the lives of many residents across West Dunbartonshire. I am delighted we are able to help so many deserving groups, which in turn is reducing isolation by helping residents be active in their community by participating in events and social clubs.”