Food bank usage in Scotland is now even more widespread than during the coronavirus pandemic, according to Trussell Trust figures that show demand has increased by more than a third.

Food banks in the Trussell Trust network in Scotland distributed 116,000 emergency food parcels between April 1 to September 30, including 40,000 parcels for children.

This represents a 34 per cent increase in the total number of parcels distributed compared to the same period in 2021/22, and a 65 per cent increase since the same period five years ago (2017/18).

Cost-of-living crisis: Food banks usage in Scotland now higher than during the coronavirus pandemic