Stagecoach offer free bus tickets for foodbank users in Perth and Kinross

• People referred to Perth and Kinross Foodbank will be able to travel on Stagecoach buses for free to access the facility
• Free DayRider bus ticket offers unlimited travel on Stagecoach buses in Perth & Kinross
• Partnership builds on Stagecoach’s existing work with foodbanks across Fife

Families picking up emergency food parcels over the festive season, can now enjoy free bus travel - to help them connect them to foodbank facilities and get home with their goods.

Stagecoach East Scotland has partnered with Perth and Kinross Foodbank to offer a free ticketing scheme, making it easier for foodbank users to access the service by bus.

The scheme allows the foodbank to offer voucher codes for a free DayRider ticket on the Stagecoach Bus App. The ticket gives the user unlimited travel on Stagecoach buses within Perth & Kinross when they need to travel to the Foodbank.

This partnership extends the schemes already in place across Fife, where Stagecoach recently donated over £12,000 to local foodbanks and continues to offer free travel to those using local foodbanks.

Stagecoach East Scotland’s Commercial Director, Sarah Elliott said, “The work of Perth and Kinross Foodbank is more important than ever given the cost of living crisis and we’re proud to support our communities across Perth and Kinross by covering the bus fares of those most in need.

“We want to ensure those who need it can access this vital service and recognise that travelling from the Foodbank with heavy bags isn’t easy, so working alongside Perth and Kinross Foodbank, we’re hopeful that users can make the most of our bus network across Perth and Kinross.”

At this time of year, supporting our local foodbanks is crucial to ensuring those who need it most can access vital food, toiletries and other resources.  Donations to the foodbanks are most welcome at this time of year and with weather recently turning colder, it’s more important than ever to ensure everyone has access to basic supplies.

Lori Hughes, Perth and Kinross Foodbank Project Manager, said: “A huge thank you to Stagecoach East Scotland for partnering with us to make free travel to and from Perth and Kinross Foodbank possible, easing the pressure on our clients.  Individuals, couples and families across the communities of Perth and Kinross are struggling, many are on the brink, unable to absorb unexpected costs or additional expenses.  Our dedicated team of staff and compassionate volunteers are here to support people experiencing hunger and hardship through their darkest days.  Whilst we acknowledge that we are not the solution, we are a lifeline, and this Winter, many will turn to or service for the first time.

Projection tools estimate we require 20,000kg of donations to support local communities this Winter.  Additionally, it is forecasted we will spend up to £16,000 on further stock purchases.  It’s set to be a huge challenge, and all donations – whether stock or monetary – will be readily embraced.  For details on our Winter Appeal please check our Facebook page @PerthKinrossFoodbank or contact the office via [email protected]”.

Perth and Kinross Foodbank is part of a nationwide network of foodbanks, supported by The Trussell Trust, working to combat poverty and hunger across the UK.