Foodbank collections suspended in Perth due to pest control issues

A foodbank in Perthshire has had to temporarily postpone food parcel collections due to a pest control issue.

The Perth and Kinross Foodbank said the decision to close the Cutlog Vennel hub was not one it had taken “lightly” but the safety of those it helps and supports was the main concern.

Staff and volunteers will still be able to operate from their site in Blairgowrie.

In a statement on Facebook, the charity said: “The relevant authorities have been contacted, and appropriate measures have been put in place – including sourcing external storage so that donated food can be securely kept without risk of contamination.

“We have taken the decision to cease operating from our current warehouse space and in line with health and safety regulations, a small amount of food that was stored there has been disposed of.

“This is not something we do lightly, however the safety of the people who access the food bank is our paramount concern.

“We are working alongside local agencies to secure temporary premises and we look forward to welcoming people back to the food bank as soon as possible when we re-open.

“Our food bank staff and volunteers work tirelessly to support local people facing hardship and do so with dignity and in line with public health regulations.

“We are grateful for all the support and donations we receive from people across Perth and Kinross and we work hard to ensure we are good stewards of these donations to best serve the people of the county.”

Between April and September, Perth and Kinross Foodbank had given out more than 128,000 parcels – an increase of 9% on the previous year.

Last year the charity also saw more families with children asking for support for essential items.

Staff and volunteers at the charity said they are working with the relevant authorities to secure a new premises so they can continue providing services in the community.