Published 17 August 2023
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.”
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.”