Local MSP, John Mason, has today (Thursday) welcomed the launch of the new Glasgow North East food bank. The food bank is a voluntary effort designed to help people in crisis in the East End by providing emergency food supplies.

Commenting from Holyrood, SNP MSP John Mason said:

“I regard it as a scandal that there are people in the East End in the 21st century who struggle to feed themselves and their families, but this situation is sadly a reality for increasingly more people.  My own view is that changes happening in the benefits system just now are making this situation much worse.

“What is positive, however, is that so many people in the East End are concerned enough to act.  Calton Parkhead Church of Scotland on Helenvale Street, working in partnership with the Trussell Trust and other Churches, have set up the Glasgow North East food bank.  The food bank will organise food parcels for those in need throughout the East End, and they have already had many people referred to them by a number of agencies.

“I would commend the work being done in the community to meet the needs of families in crisis and wish all the volunteers well in their work.  Some of the most vulnerable families in the East End are currently facing great uncertainty around their basic income and while I am saddened that this facility is needed, I am greatly heartened by the commitment of those providing it.”