CONCERNS have been raised about a lack of supplies at foodbanks in Renfrewshire...because people are stockpiling for themselves. 

Bosses at the charity say they are expecting demand to rise during the coming months as the coronavirus pandemic takes hold of Renfrewshire. 

Due to the generosity of people at Christmas, staff have said there has been enough stock so far, but there is now concern donations have halted just as supplies start to run low because people are keeping food and other items for themselves.

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Volunteers have also started staying at home as they become increasingly fearful for their own health.

Elizabeth Alexander, senior manager at Renfrewshire Foodbank, told The Gazette: "About half to three quarters of our volunteers are in the high risk category and a lot of the people who come to the food bank are elderly or have underlying health issues.

"Usually we take time out to have a coffee or to offer people emotional support but we've had to rethink the way we work.

"To stop the spread of the virus we're making the parcels up faster and minimising the time we spend with people."

She added: "The numbers needing the foodbank could rise. If people are not able to work then they won't get paid and they are not going to be able to buy products.

"We could see donations drop if nobody is getting out and about. The problem is people are stocking up on the long life stuff, non-perishables, tinned goods. These are the things we rely on to hand out because a lot of the people who use our service don't have electricity or a working fridge."

Milly MacKinnon, manager at Renfrewshire Foodbank, added: “At the moment we are just finishing up our Christmas stock, but that is going to run out quickly now.

“We are going to feel the pinch soon because people are not donating. They are keeping things for themselves which is obviously understandable, but we really on the generosity of people in Renfrewshire." 

The Gazette: Shelves have been emptied in stores across Renfrewshire Shelves have been emptied in stores across Renfrewshire

Many shoppers have been seen panic buying products such as toilet rolls, hand sanitiser, soap and painkillers and in light of this some supermarkets have been clamping down on multiple sales to ensure everyone gets what they need.

Ms Alexander added: "We have very good relations with the community champions in Asda, Tesco and Morrisons so when the time comes we can contact them and put in an advance order. We would expect them to help us. 

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"If people want to donate anything we need long life juice, tinned tomatoes, potatoes, fruit and fish, toilet paper and soap." 

Despite sharing her worries regarding Covid-19, Ms Alexander wanted to thank the people of Renfrewshire for all their help.

"People have been so amazing. Their generosity is wonderful," she said. "At the moment we have a good stock because people gave so generously at Christmas."

The charity operates at Erskine Baptist Church Monday 10am till 12pm, Renfrew Baptist Church Thursday 10am till 12 pm, St Paul's Church Johnstome Wednesday 10am -12pm and Central Baptist Church Paisley Monday 2pm till 4pm and Wednesday/Friday 1.30pm till 4.30pm.