A CLACKS MSP has shared his joy after learning a fund has been established to support foodbanks across the UK.

MSP Keith Brown, representing Clackmannanshire and Dunblane, spoke out over issues of food insecurity after learning that the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust are launching a £3.5 million foodbank fund to help centres this winter.

He said: “Foodbanks across my constituency do a power of work thanks to the efforts of the volunteers who run them and the generosity of the local people who contribute the items that are distributed to those in need.

“Nevertheless, with the escalating cost of living crisis impacting both the ability of donors to contribute and in terms of an increasing demand for their services, foodbanks are feeling the pinch.

“I was pleased to learn that the Julia and Hans Rausing Trust – who last month donated £3.5 million to the Trussell Trust’s emergency foodbank appeal – has launched a foodbank fund with an additional £3.5 million which will be made available to all food banks across the UK.

“It is a disgrace that so many people in 21st century Scotland should have to be dependant for food on volunteer organisations backed by the philanthropic super rich.

“Scotland can and should be doing much better than that.”

Applications to the fund have now closed and the Trust aims to distribute all grants by Christmas.

The Rausing family made their wealth from involvement in the Tetra Pak food packaging company and have been involved in foodbank support in the past.