Food banks
In particular, their supermarket collections are an effective way of carrying the argument to the public, confronting us with the unpalatable truth about food poverty and soliciting for the donation of vital supplies.
At the same time it is impossible to ignore the evidence that the UK Government is directly responsible for a big part of the rising demand. Late payment of benefits, welfare cutbacks and a draconian sanctions regime are major contributory factors.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdListening to Chancellor George Osborne and Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith it is clear that this is not an accident but a deliberate policy advanced in the full knowledge that some of our most vulnerable and disadvantaged citizens would be affected.
So let us hope that the Secretary of State for Scotland carries these experiences back to the next meeting of the UK Cabinet to argue, even if only on humanitarian grounds, for a reversal of these vindictive, inappropriate and ultimately counter-productive welfare policies.
Martin Sime
Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations
Mansfield Place