Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Council pledges to help stabilise city foodbank
THE new year could be a bit brighter for a valuable foodbank charity after “positive” talks with council chiefs.
They have now agreed to help the Cutlog Vennel service after a plea for extra funding.
Volunteers at the busy Perth charity met local authority officers to ask for a contribution towards their hefty £14,000-a-year rent. They warned that without assistance, the city centre foodbank could fold.
Chairman the Rev Michael Archibald was originally told there was no money available.
Now senior council figures, including leader Ian Campbell, have pledged to help following a subsequent meeting with Mr Archibald and his team.
Mr Campbell said the council would help look for cheaper, alternative premises and sites in residential areas of the city are being considered.
However, other funding options are being investigated which may allow the service to stay in the city centre.
Mr Campbell said: “It was a really valuable meeting where members of the foodbank team were able to advise us of the main issues they face and where we could possibly assist, in many different ways.
“It was good to get their take on the difficult issues facing them and how we could possibly help.
“We have been trying to find new premises for them and that will continue, but from our discussions there are possibly further avenues that we can explore.”
Foodbank secretary Marjory Clark said: “It was a really positive, productive meeting. We are working together to secure the stability of the service.
“Moving to new premises is an option, but the council is also helping us to identify other funding sources we can apply to.”