A MASSIVE increase in referrals has sparked an urgent appeal from the Wee County's largest foodbank.

The cost of living crisis begins to bite with more and more Clacks households being referred to The Gate for emergency food parcels.

And with the worst of the winter yet to come, there are fears that the number of people seeking help could increase further.

Volunteers and staff at The Gate, where the foodbank has temporarily moved to Main Street in Sauchie while renovations take place at its usual Alloa base, are hoping the generosity of Wee County communities will help people through tough times ahead.

Lesley McAleenen, foodbank development co-ordinator, explained that The Gate has provided 258 parcels to 318 adults and 221 children in need during August, up from just 151 parcels in July.

With a week still to go in September, the figure stood at more than 200 food parcels.

"We always ask for the reason for referral," Lesley told the Advertiser. "The majority of people are saying it's the cost of living increase and quite often it's the gas and electricity bills – just running out of money, they are at that point of the month, just no money left."

Many households have not yet turned the radiators up and there are fears the situation could get worse as the colder months roll in.

Lesley said: "People don't have the heating on just now; I'd imagine the numbers will go up quite a bit.

"I'm hoping not, but we have all these people who can't afford their gas and electricity [now]."

Donation stations are available at all supermarkets in the area.

Those looking to help out can also drop off donations directly at the foodbank's base at 83 Main Street, Sauchie.

In the meantime, Lesley hopes to do more food drives in the near-future as the cold months roll in.

And while the generosity of the Wee County has not gone unnoticed by a thankful team at The Gate, there are always anxieties over the future.

The charity, which also works in partnership with other food larders in the area, is a crisis service where people are referred to by organisations such as Clacks CAB when needed.

Food donations such as cereal, UHT milk, teabags, tinned meat, soup and beans, tinned vegetables and fruit, pasta and sauce, rice, custard, biscuits are being sought.

Also welcome are donations of hygiene products such as nappies, shower gel and soap along with pet food.

People can also support the foodbank by donating money, text "TH3GATE 3" to 70085 to donate £3 or call 01259 218 766 to set up a direct debit.

Alternatively, order in from the supermarket to The Gate at 2 Ludgate from 10am to 3pm, Monday to Friday.