Two Glasgow-based mums have joined forces to create an emergency service for women with children tomorrow (Monday 19 September), as many food banks throughout Glasgow will close.
The Mother Bank was launched on Friday, just two days ago, following the announcement that many food banks across the UK would be closed for the Queen’s Funeral – leaving struggling mothers and carers with no access to emergency supplies such as milk, baby food and nappies.
Created by Dr Anastacia Ryan and Claire Morrison, both single working mums, The Mother Bank has already raised over £2500 through its Just Giving Page, including donations from the likes of pop-soul singer Joesef. The campaign has also attracted support from MSPs including Monica Lennon and Paul Sweeney, Human Rights Lawyer and activist Aamer Anwar and Welsh football legend Neville Southall.
Mother Bank Co-Founder, Dr Anastacia Ryan, commented, “The extent of child poverty in Scotland right now is devastating and its times like this we need to pull together, whilst continuing to speak out about the injustice of a system that is pushing mothers and carers to the brinks of destitution. During times of economic crisis, persistent inequalities mean that women, particularly in low-income areas, are the hardest hit and completely reliant on community food banks. With tomorrow’s closures, we have set-up The Mother Bank as a temporary service for emergency supplies such as nappies and formula.”
Mother Bank Co-Founder Claire Morrison, who is also head of PR at Scottish creative agency MadeBrave, said, “We have been truly overwhelmed by the response. It has clearly struck a chord – no doubt, a perfect storm of the frustrations surrounding the cost-of-living crisis, combined with the food bank closures.
“It really is a terrible time for a huge portion of the population, but most of all for young mums with no or low income who are struggling to provide for their littles ones. Thinking about those women suffering lonely nights worrying about how they will feed their child, is what inspired The Mother Bank and we are so grateful for all the support so far. People really do make Glasgow.”
The Mother Bank have also received support from Waitrose (Byres Road), who will be offering pre-prepared bags of essentials to the value of £10, which people can purchase today in-store and drop-off at the information desk for collection. Bags are available at the entrance until the store closes tonight at 8pm.
The project will operate as a pop-up emergency food bank tomorrow from 1pm until 4pm at SWG3 located in Yorkhill in Glasgow’s West End. For those women who are un- able to attend in person, The Mother Bank will offer a door-to-door delivery service from 4-6pm, and have been inviting women to reach out via their Instagram page with their addresses and requirements.
• To support the emergency fund, head to The Mother Bank’s Just Giving page
