Glasgow South West Foodbank (GSWF) is reeling after a devastating theft from its Cardonald Centre storage facility. Volunteers arriving Friday morning were met with a scene of widespread disarray, discovering that a significant quantity of food had been stolen and containers smashed.
The incident occurred at a particularly vulnerable time for the organization, which recently launched an urgent appeal for support to navigate what they described as a confluence of challenging circumstances.
“Frankly, it felt like we had been punched in the gut,” stated Claire McCunnie, Development Manager for GSWF.
The theft included numerous items intended as treats for schoolchildren during the Easter holidays, all of which were deemed unusable and subsequently discarded. Beyond the loss of food, damage to the storage shed itself will necessitate costly repairs.
“There was a wee bit of heartbreak, but also a bit of anger,” McCunnie continued, expressing her disappointment on behalf of the dedicated volunteers who generously donate their time to support the foodbank’s mission. “It’s disappointing for us as a charity…it’s a kick in the teeth.”
Despite this setback, McCunnie emphasized that the team remained steadfast in its commitment to serving the community.
- The stolen goods represent a significant financial loss for the foodbank.
- Damage to the storage shed requires additional funding for repairs.
- Easter treats intended for children were lost due to the theft and subsequent contamination.
“I am genuinely so, so proud of them,” McCunnie said, speaking to the Glasgow Times. “They managed to run that centre with no blips. No one would have any idea of what was going on in the background.”
The organization is now appealing for donations – both food and monetary contributions – from the public to help replenish its stock and continue providing essential support.
Police Scotland confirmed they are investigating the break-in, stating that officers received a report around 10am on April 11, 2025, regarding an incident at a premises on Berryknowes Road. Enquiries are currently underway to identify and apprehend those responsible for the theft.