Adam welcomes 'cash first' approach to food insecurity plan
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A COMMITMENT to using a 'cash first' approach to tackle food insecurity has been welcomed by a north-east MSP.
The move is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s new plan to reduce the need for people to turn to food banks.
The plan, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the UK and is underpinned by human rights, sets out nine actions which will be taken over the next three years to improve responses to food insecurity.
Actions include establishing a new £1.8 million Cash-First Programme to help reduce the demand for emergency food parcels by improving urgent access to cash in crisis and associated support.
The Scottish Government will work with councils, the third sector and community food initiatives to help prevent future need by integrating money advice and wider support into crisis responses.
News of the scheme was hailed by Banffshire and Buchan Coast MSP Karen Adam: "I am wholly supportive of this proactive and compassionate approach being taken by the Scottish Government.
"This 'cash-first' initiative is a clear demonstration of our commitment to protecting the dignity and welfare of every citizen, particularly in the circumstance of the challenging times so many people are enduring at the moment.
“Regrettably, the current cost-of-living crisis, worsened by the UK government's failure to address the issue, has only heightened the urgency for such initiatives. Despite being constrained by the powers devolved from Westminster, the SNP Scottish Government is taking decisive action to alleviate the financial pressures that our citizens face.
"We understand that food banks, while providing essential aid, are not and should not be a long-term solution to food insecurity, which seems to be the proposed solution of the UK Government. The SNP Scottish Government’s innovative program will help provide immediate financial relief to those in need while working towards combatting the root causes of poverty.
“It complements our ongoing efforts in Banffshire and Buchan Coast, such as our recently published Second Edition of the Cost of Living Help and Support Guide. My hope is that, in Scotland, we can continue build the foundations of a society where no one has to face the indignity of food insecurity.
"In a nation as wealthy as Scotland, it’s obvious that only the full powers of independence will allow us to escape the incompetence of UK governance, while fulfilling Scotland’s full potential as a nation that prioritises the health and wellbeing of our citizens."
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville MSP added: “Whilst none of us want food banks, we recognise the important role they play for people in need.
"This plan, the first of its kind by any UK government, will support people who face food insecurity and will move us closer to our longer-term ambition of a country where there is no need for food banks.
“We want to ensure we reach people in need and by providing a cash-first approach, backed by advice and support, we will support people to strengthen their incomes and prevent future hardship and crisis, allowing them more choice and dignity.
“Tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is one of the Scottish Government’s three critical missions. The Trussell Trust suggests that our Scottish Child Payment may have helped to slow the pace of demand for emergency food parcels last year.
“Without the full economic and fiscal powers of an independent nation we can’t eradicate poverty, but we are taking all the action we can to support people within our limited powers and fixed budget.”
The plan also includes up to £623,000 funding for the British Red Cross to continue a Scottish Crisis Fund, which provides people at risk of destitution – including survivors of domestic abuse, and those no recourse to public funds – with emergency grants to purchase the food and other essentials.
