NEW figures show a sharp increase in the number of children needing food parcels in Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley - taking the level of need to its highest ever.

Five distribution centres in the Carrick, Cumnock and Doon Valley area have shown an overall increase of 501 food parcels needed for people between April 1, 2022 and March 31, 2023, compared with the same time period a year earlier.

The data also shows a worrying 38 per cent increase in the number of food parcels needed for children - from 777 to the end of March last year to 1,075 in the following 12 months.

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Reacting to the new statistics, South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said: "These appalling figures paint a bleak picture of how many people in Ayrshire are being seriously affected by the cost of living crisis.

“There is no reason at all why anyone should be going hungry in a wealthy nation like Scotland. 

“However, the evidence is clear – thousands of local people are in food poverty and many more are being put at risk due to cuts in benefits by the UK Government and cuts in support to local councils by the Scottish Government."

He added: “This report shows how many families in our area are relying on food banks to get by. The Trussell Trust do amazing work in our region but it is terrible that in 2023, we need them and others to ensure that people aren’t hungry.

“The increase in particular in the number of food parcels for children is heartbreaking and should shame us all. We simply cannot stand back and allow this situation to continue."

First Minister Humza Yousaf, has said that tackling inequality is one of biggest challenges facing Scotland in 2023.

He said: “The Scottish Government recognises the cost-of-living crisis is putting a huge strain on households and no-one should have to make the choice between heating, eating or turning the lights on.

“Tackling poverty and inequality is the single biggest challenge facing Scotland and requires continued, urgent and sustained action.”

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Speaking about the rising need for emergency food, Polly Jones, head of Scotland at the Trussell Trust, added: “These new statistics are extremely concerning and show that an increasing number of people are being left with no option but to turn to charitable, volunteer-run organisations to get by and this is not right.

“Everyone in Scotland should be able to afford the essentials - to buy their own food and heat their homes.

“Food banks across Scotland are seeing increasing demand for their services, and while donation levels remain relatively steady despite the cost of living crisis, they are not keeping up with current need.

"If you want to help people within your community, please visit your local food bank’s website and find out what items they need donating the most.”