Edinburgh charity warns 'we are running out of food' as it struggles to meet demand

An Edinburgh charity has issued a cry for help as they struggle to fill food shelves to help those in need.

LIFT (Low income families together) is based in the Muirhouse Millennium Centre and supports people in the community by supplying fresh food and non-perishables to those who need it most. However, as the cost of living crisis has taken its toll on families across the country, the charity is struggling to fill its shelves.

LIFT has now said they fear they may have to close their shelves as they can't keep up with demand.

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They said: "With the increase in almost everything we need to survive, particularly food we are struggling to keep up with demand for our outside free shelf and our sharing shelf.

"The fear is we will have to close both.

"If anyone has any contacts with any stores who could donate to us or again knows a millionaire who could help to fill our food shelves or you have any tins etc you won’t use we would really appreciate your help

"Food is our biggest request daily."

Images shared with Edinburgh Live show how the shelves used to be but they are now starting to become empty as stock decreases while more people turn to charities like LIFT for food.

Outside, the shelf that provides products like bread and fresh fruit is nearly bare.

Staff member Danielle explained to Edinburgh Live: "There is a shortage of food for the sharing shelf. Outside we have a shelf where fresh fruit and bread can be taken for free, things that people don't get in food parcels, and inside with have a sharing shelf where you can get six items for £2. That is only open two times a week, Tuesday and Wednesday.

"We don't get funding so its the charity's own money that goes into it. With the cost of living, there is a high demand and the cost of the food shop has sky rocketed.

"We need things like cereal, bread, fresh fruit and also we have a baby box and we are low on maternity pads."

On Thursday May30, LIFT will be having a food drive in the Millennium car park and are urging locals to donate. For those who can't drop off products, the staff are happy to collect.

They added: "If anyone has any contacts with any supermarkets, cash and carry’s, we would appreciate your help.

"In the last 8 days ( two working weeks) we have given out 14 emergancy bags shopping. 46 ready meals. Shopping vouchers (we have none left). And 55 people have accessed our sharing shelf and the outside free shelf has been emptied within half an hour of filling it."