Steep rise in Lanarkshire residents relying on emergency provisions as food bank helps 800 children over Christmas

dailyrecord.co.uk:

Nearly 200 more children than last year depended on a Lanarkshire foodbank over the festive period.Demand for emergency food provisions sky-rocketed this December as new figures give a stark indication of how the cost of living crisis has hit Hamilton.It's possibly been the most challenging Christmas ever for Hamilton District Foodbank who assisted 1788 people with food and toiletries this month.

Sadly 794 of these numbers were children.The Lanarkshire Live app is available to download now. Get all the news from your area – as well as features, entertainment, sport and the latest on Lanarkshire’s recovery from the coronavirus pandemic – straight to your fingertips, 24/7.The free download features the latest breaking news and exclusive stories, and allows you to customise your page to the sections that matter most to you.Head to the App Store and never miss a beat in Lanarkshire - iOS - Android The heartbreaking figures show an 80 per cent increase in demand from this time last year where 989 locals were helped by the foodbank in December 2021, with 595 of those being children.With prices for everything continuing to rise in the months leading up to Christmas, Hamilton District Foodbank braced itself for its busiest time of year.And they were ready to deliver, with 830 Christmas parcels with treats, gifts, toys and books being distributed.In December 2021, 540 Christmas parcels were delivered.In years gone by, the volunteers would normally buy hats, scarves and gloves for service users, however this year the appeal included adult and children's pyjamas, sleeping bags and hot water bottles.Also this year, the foodbank assisted local homeless units and community groups.And as the winter season drew closer, four Christmas