In an ideal world, food banks wouldn’t exist in the north-east of Scotland – or in any other part of the country.
Sadly, we don’t live in an ideal world – far from it – and food poverty is very much a reality for far too many people.
Of course, it would be easy to just rail against our political lords and masters for allowing matters to get to such a state that, in this rich nation, we have impoverished folk forced to choose between heating and eating.
We can – we must – demand a rebalancing of society’s priorities. The idea of families and children, or anyone else, living in poverty is not acceptable in any way, shape or form.
But that’s a longer-term argument. It doesn’t help the mum looking at her hungry kids and despairing about how she’s going to feed them tonight. Which is where food banks come in.
They are a lifeline for those who need them. And don’t kid yourself that food banks are only there for the “others”.
Any one of us can, at any time, find our lives turned upside down by events outwith our control – we are all just a sliding door moment away from wondering where our next meal is coming from. In all likelihood, it will soon be more of us, as the soaring prices of food and energy see people already struggling tipped over into grinding hardship.
We can all do our bit to help
Charities like Cfine, who support folk across the north and north-east, are already warning that their vital services will be in even more in demand, especially in the run up to Christmas.
Those of us lucky enough to feed our families and heat our homes shouldn’t hesitate to help those who can’t
But these charities cannot wage the war against food poverty on their own. They need all of us to help.
They require a constant stream of donations – both food and cash – to make sure people won’t need to decide whether to go hungry or freeze, especially at Christmas.
So, I was chuffed to see The P&J, Evening Express and Original 106 launch The Big Christmas Food Appeal to support Cfine. Those of us lucky enough to feed our families and heat our homes shouldn’t hesitate to help those who can’t. You know it’s the right thing to do.
It doesn’t take much, either. It can be as simple as donating a couple of quid or adding a few items to your own weekly shop to pass on.
The people of the north-east have an enviable track record for being both caring and generous – they don’t hesitate to speak out and to help out when they see others in need. Now is the time to do just that. It’s probably never been more important.
We must never stop demanding an end to the social injustice that puts people into poverty.
But, right now, first and foremost, give what you can to make sure everyone has food on their table this Christmas.
Scott Begbie is entertainment editor for The Press & Journal and Evening Express