A new food bank was officially opened in Aberdeenshire yesterday by First Minister Alex Salmond.
The centre in Harlaw Road, Inverurie, will provide food parcels for those in need, while also offering advice on other support services available in the area.
It is the second in Aberdeenshire, with another operating in Banchory.
Yesterday, Aberdeenshire East MSP Mr Salmond said while the rising need for food banks was “abhorrent”, especially in the north-east, he was glad people in need had somewhere to go.
Charities have previously put the increase in demand for food assistance down to spiralling poverty caused by the so-called bedroom tax, as well as other changes to the welfare system.
Mr Salmond, who was joined by Provost Jill Webster for the opening, was given a tour of the new Aberdeenshire North facility and talked to local volunteers.
Afterwards, he said: “It is abhorrent in this day and age, and in an affluent region like the north-east, that there is the demand for food banks.
“We know the reasons why.
“It is when people are falling through the cracks in the welfare system, but also when people suddenly found themselves in difficult circumstances. These are people that are under pressure, and this facility can help.”
The Inverurie facility – which is staffed by more than 20 volunteers – has been given a helping start thanks to a large food drive by Tesco.
It has also received generous donations from the local community.
Mr Salmond added: “While we wish there wasn’t the need for it, you have to congratulate the community spirit and the way that everyone has worked together to make this happen.
“The response to this need has been admirable and everyone has joined together to help.”
Food parcels generally contain non-perishable goods including vegetables, meat and fish, pasta, UHT milk, sauces, tea, tinned fruit and long-life juice.
Stephen King, manager of the Aberdeenshire North food bank, said the facility was currently giving out between five and 10 food parcels each week, but he expected the figure to rise as more people became aware of it.
He said: “This is not just about offering food. It is about being a listening ear and also helping people know where else to go for further assistance in the long term.”