A NEW set of 'scandalous' figures showing the growing demand on Largs foodbank have prompted a local MSP to demand 'urgent intervention' from the Scottish Government.
A report from Independent Food Aid Network and A Menu for Change has revealed a staggering increase in the distribution of emergency food parcels in the town during the last year.
Green MSP Ross Greer blames the brutal cuts from Westminster for the surge in use and he is calling on the Scottish Government to step in and take action.
The new figures showed that Largs foodbank distributed just 367 parcels in the nine months between January and September 2018 compared to a staggering 1,351 in the 18 months from same period last year.
Mr Greer said: "This shocking rise in the need for emergency food parcels in Largs is a direct result of brutal Tory cuts to social security.
"The Westminster government is responsible for the vast majority of welfare payments, but its vindictive policies have resulted in thousands of the most vulnerable being left in crisis after being sanctioned and seeing their lifeline support cut.
"It is a scandal that so many cannot afford the food they need in one of the wealthiest countries on the planet.
"The Scottish Government must embed the right to food into law, as was promised in the Good Food Nation Bill proposals.
"They must exhaust every power at their disposal to counter the worst efforts of the cruel administration in London.
"Devolution wasn’t delivered just to limit the damage caused to Scotland by UK governments and there is a responsibility to do all we can to help those who are suffering as a result of callous Tory decisions.
"I have nothing but admiration for the wonderful staff and volunteers in the town who run the food bank. I will continue fighting to ensure that dignity and respect is always at the heart of our social security system."
Demand has increased so much in the local area that the team at Largs foodbank, pictured, have also opened up a second facility on Cumbrae to deal with increased demand across the water.
They previously stated how they also believe Universal Credit is to blame for the surge in locals depending on their help.
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