Helensburgh's food bank has just days of supplies left as it issues an emergency appeal for donations.

Shelves are empty at the group's stores as the need reaches some of its worst levels in nine years of supporting Helensburgh and Lomond.

Bosses at the volunteer-led Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank described the situation as "bleak".

Chair Celia Scanlan told the Advertiser that they appreciated everyone was struggling at the moment.

She said: "Things are bleak at the food bank. The current state of affairs is that our numbers increase steadily and donations drop visibly. Clearly the country are being hit at both ends.

"I understand that everyone is hit by the current financial crisis.

READ MORE: Helensburgh and Lomond Foodbank new chair praises service's spirit

"I understand fully how it must be for families in Helensburgh who have been exceedingly generous to the food bank over the nine years of our existence.

"Yesterday I was at our stores and was shocked at the empty shelves.

"We possibly have another week's supplies. Yes we have funds which we regularly use to top up supplies but right now it is far beyond top up.

"Normally we have at least a months stock but now we are having to mix and match I order to fill bags."

Earlier this year, the food bank said it had seen the number of children in the area needing support rise by 80 per cent.

But it praised the community spirit, helping friends in need from the Helensburgh Community Hub base.

Helensburgh Advertiser:

The food bank is most in need of:

  • Tins of cold meat
  • Tins of stew, mince, hot dogs etc
  • Tins of tuna
  • Tins of soup
  • Tins of vegetables
  • Jars of pasta sauce
  • Long life milk, all 3 types
  • Cereals
  • Cereal bars
  • Microwave rice and couscous
  • Macaroni cheese tins
  • Baked beans
  • Juice
  • Oil
  • Coffee
  • Tea bags boxes of x40 or 50

The drop-in service for the food bank is Monday mornings from 10am to noon and Thursdays from 3pm to 7pm at the Community Hub in East Princes Street.

It is also at the Howie Pavilion in Rosneath on Wednesdays from 1pm to 3pm.

Donations can be made at the Co-op and Morrisons.