Local Food Bank Providing and Welcoming Donations During Coronavirus Outbreak

A vital Cumbernauld food bank service will continue to be provided on a weekly basis for people in need during the present coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions, with extra food and toiletry donation items particularly welcomed at this time.

Bethlehem House of Bread Food Bank, a Cumbernauld organisation which provides food parcels, toiletries and other necessary items to support those in poverty and facing crisis situations, will remain open every Thursday from 5.00pm-7.00pm at Cornerstone House Centre (at 1 Esk Walk, Cumbernauld, G67 1BZ) to support local people facing challenges.

However, the volunteer-led group has temporarily had to close its Friday morning weekly provision from Cumbernauld Old Parish Church (Baronhill, Cumbernauld, G67 2SB) and Condorrat Parish Church (at 62 Main Road, Cumbernauld, G67 4DZ) due to coronavirus restrictions.

Individuals are required to have a referral from a suitable organisation before a food parcel can be provided by Bethlehem House of Bread Food Bank. A referral can be obtained through establishing contact with Scottish Welfare Fund.

With local need heightened by the coronavirus outbreak and public restrictions, Bethlehem House of Bread Food Bank has indicated it would welcome extra donations of food parcels and toiletries from businesses and individuals who are in a position to provide at this time. Norma Cowan, Coordinator at Bethlehem House of Bread Food Bank, commented:

“We are planning to continue our work in the community throughout the coronavirus alert to help families who are struggling at this time.

“If you would like to join us and contribute to help us keep supplying, please message us on Facebook and we can provide details of opening times for groceries to be dropped off.

“A big thank you to everyone who has helped keep this service for others going over the last nine years. We would not be able to do it without you.” Mary McNeil, Development Manager at Cornerstone House Centre, added:

“According to the most recent Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD) statistics, health levels in Cumbernauld are 5.4% worse off than the Scottish average, and there are three local neighbourhoods within the top 10% of most deprived areas in Scotland.

“Given this, it is important that we do all we can to support those living in Cumbernauld who are vulnerable and in need, and especially so during this period of elevated public concern and risk.

“Bethlehem House of Bread Food Bank provides an invaluable service for underprivileged individuals and families in Cumbernauld, and it will always have the full support and backing of Cornerstone House Centre.

“Nonetheless, it is essential for those planning to visit or drop off items to the Food Bank over the coming weeks to take heed of Cornerstone House Centre’s recent statement about visiting its building during coronavirus concerns.  

“As the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, the main priority of Cornerstone House Centre and Bethlehem House of Bread Food Bank is ensuring the safety of everyone who uses the Food Bank service and everyone who visits the community building at 1 Esk Walk.

“Anyone who is experiencing symptoms of being unwell, including those with a cough, runny nose, fever, high temperature or difficulty breathing, MUST NOT visit the Cornerstone House Centre building under any circumstances at present.

“If this affects you but you would liked to have attended or dropped off items for the Food Bank, please contact Bethlehem House of Bread Food Bank or Cornerstone House Centre and alternative arrangements to visiting the building can be discussed.

“Those who are able to visit The Centre in relation to Food Bank activity over the coming weeks are assured that deep cleaning is being undertaken across the building on a daily basis.”  

Meanwhile, Cornerstone House Centre’s building is closed at all other times in the week until further on the basis of UK Government advice on COVID-19.

As such, weekly activities taking place in The Centre organised by Cornerstone House Centre, Cornerstone Cafe, Cornerstone Christian Fellowship, Slimming World, Drop In Cafe, Traditional Taekwondo Association, Gaelic Choir, All in Fitness, Cancer Research UK, One Parent Families Scotland, Routes to Work, Toddler Group, Tool Library Cumbernauld and Rhythm Time have all been postponed for the time being due to the coronavirus pandemic.  

Service users are asked to contact these organisations directly for further information and updates regarding their service provision and contingency plans.

It is intended that the building will reopen at the earliest appropriate date in the future, with public health interests and UK Government advice being the prime deciding factors as to when this will be.

For further information about Bethlehem House of Bread Food Bank provision during the coronavirus restrictions, please phone 07737 999104 or visit the organisation’s Facebook page.