AN INCREASING number of Clackmannanshire families are going without warm meals due to the cost of living crisis, according to volunteers.
Lesley McAleenen, foodbank development co-ordinator of The Gate, said people receiving emergency food parcels from the charity are asking for meals that do not need to be heated.
She has explained that a number of households supported by the organisation are experiencing this issue due to the increase in gas and electricity costs.
Lesley told the Advertiser: “People come and say they cannot afford to turn the cooker on.
"They are also using the microwave instead of the oven and I think that is very sad.”
She believes this situation is caused by the cost of living crisis, something that is only going to get worse when winter comes.
Lesley said: “They do not have the heating on just now. I imagine the number will go up quite a bit.”
As reported elsewhere in the Advertiser today, the foodbank has been receiving more referrals in recent months.
On the other hand, the foodbank development co-ordinator has praised communities for their support during these difficult times.
She said: “We are constantly asking for donations. Clackmannanshire is an incredibly generous local authority.”
However, she expressed how frustrating the situation can be.
Lesley added: “You give away cans of soup but some people cannot heat them.”
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