East Lothian Courier Foodbank Appeal – Time to fill your donation bags

We’re urging readers, if they can, to fill it with goods for one of the food initiatives taking part in our Foodbank Appeal.

With the cost-of-living crisis affecting more and more people, we know that big-hearted Courier readers will be willing to do their bit to help, so we’re asking you to dig deep and give a little help to those who need it.

As food prices continue to rise, there are a growing number of people turning to their local food initiatives – but that means they are struggling to keep up with demand and are desperately in need of more supplies.

Thanks to the help of our sponsors – AC’s Taxis, Minibuses & Coaches; Belmont Group; EDF; and Forth Blinds – and your generosity, we can now give them a huge boost.

The six food initiatives we’re looking to help with this appeal are: East Lothian Foodbank, which is based in Tranent and supports people in need across East Lothian; Dunbar FoodShare; East Lothian Roots and Fruits in Elphinstone; Lammermuir Larder in Haddington; North Berwick Kindness Co-operative; and the Pennypit Trust, Prestonpans.

East Lothian Foodbank’s manager has stressed the importance of donations to help support the initiative, as well as others across the county.

Elaine Morrison, manager at the Trussell Trust service in Tranent, said: “We are incredibly grateful that the Courier is running this appeal, not just for us but for all the food providers across the county.

“Demand remains high for us, as I know it does for others too, and things are not getting any easier.

“We are short of everything at the moment, from tinned foods to tea bags. This is the first time I think I have seen we are almost out of tea bags, which shows how high demand is.

“Anything people can do to help will go a long way and make a huge difference. It feels like we need to ask for help a lot and we know times are tough, but any help people can offer is much appreciated.”

Where you can drop off  your donation bags

The foodbank, on Tranent’s Civic Square, is open 10am-2pm, Monday to Friday, for drop-offs.

Meanwhile, items can be dropped off to East Lothian Roots and Fruits by visiting the shop on Elphinstone’s Main Street, which is open from 8am to 1pm Monday, Tuesday and Friday, 8am-2pm Wednesday and Thursday, and 8am-noon Saturday and Sunday.

The Pennypit Trust will accept donations to its pantry on North Grange Avenue, Prestonpans, from 11am to 1pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Any non-perishable foods are being sought by the pantry.

Items can be dropped off at Dunbar FoodShare by visiting the town’s Asda store, the Co-op stores and BeGreen on the town’s High Street, as well as Dunbar Library, during opening hours.

The group, which was set up in 2014, is needing tinned meat, ravioli, pink salmon and deodorant.

Meanwhile, the Lammermuir Larder, which is based in Haddington, is on the lookout for sugar, coffee, tinned meats and toiletries.

Donations can be made to the Co-op store on the town’s Hopetoun Drive, as well as Kevin Watt Butchers, and Aldi, Home Bargains and The Food Warehouse at Haddington Retail Park during the various businesses’ opening hours.

Finally, items can be handed into North Berwick Community Centre between 9am and 6pm in aid of North Berwick Kindness Co-operative.

A spokesperson said: “We go through a lot of pet food, long-life milk, pot noodles, tins of soup, micro rice, frozen food, fresh food, baby wipes, and size five and up nappies, but will happily accept anything that is donated.”

Filled donation bags can also be dropped off at the premises of two of our sponsors – Belmont Group, in Wallyford; and Forth Blinds, Prestonpans – during business opening hours.

However, we kindly request you do not bring your bags to the Courier office in Haddington, as there may not always be someone available to collect them from you.

With times tough for so many, the support of you, our readers, is needed now more than ever.

Thank you in advance for your help and generous donations.