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.”