A FOOD bank will open in Cowdenbeath later this year, that was the result of the public meeting held to examine local interest in the issue.

Over 40 people turned up at the public meeting held in the Baptist Church to offer their support for the venture.After John Drylie, and volunteers from the Dunfermline Food Bank, had explained what was required to get a food bank into operation plenty of people came forward to train as volunteers.

Mr Drylie, who was one of the people who saw the highly successful Dunfermline facilty set up, gave the meeting a full run down on what commitment is needed to to make a food bank happen and he was very pleased by the enthusiasm of the people who had turned up.

He said, “The fact that over 300 people have attended the Dunfermline Food Bank from the Cowdenbeath area since it opened shows categorically that there is a need for a facility in the town with some 1700 meals provided over that time. There are people in crisis who need the support that a food bank can offer and over a period of time we can get the volunteers fully trained to meet the needs of those referred for help, through making them feel at home when they visit the facility, and give them enough food for three days. It is something that can help people at a time of deep crisis in their personal lives.” Mr Drylie said that there were a number of important issues to be taken on board when opening a food bank, in particular ensuring that those referred get the food that is appropriate to their needs and that information will be on the referral form they will bring with them.

“Volunteers have to ensure that possible allergies are avoided with people getting what is appropriate for them and of course a friendly face can make all the difference to people who may be really apprehensive about using the food bank,” he added. The premises which will provide the base for the Cowdenbeath facility will be the Fountain Meeting Rooms in Broad Street (above).

Added Mr Drylie, “It is at a very central point in the town and has a large room which will be ideal for storing supplies.

“There is still some way to go to securing the facility but we will be working on that in the coming weeks. With the enthusiasm that has been shown here the Cowdenbeath Food Bank can become a reality within the next few months and hopefully before the turn of the year.

“The Benarty Food Bank was established in May and is now open three days a week. It will be a case of seeing how far we can go in a short space of time but the more volunteers that can be attracted will give options for more days open.” The next meeting of the Cowdenbeath Food Bank enthusiasts will take place at the Baptist Church, where Rev Graham Kinloch has volunteered to act as a co-ordinator, on Tuesday 16th September at 7.30pm when it is hoped that a steering group will be appointed to guide the project ahead..