Ministers propose a 'cash-first' approach to tackling food insecurity
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A commitment to a ‘cash-first’ approach to tackling food insecurity is at the heart of a new Scottish Government plan to reduce the need for people to turn to food banks.
The plan, which is 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.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “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.
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.
Phil Arnold, Head of Refugee Support for Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, British Red Cross said: "The Scottish Crisis Fund is a lifeline emergency payment for people in crisis.
"The fund enables people to continue accessing essential food, clothing, hygiene products and transport to get to key appointments, at an acute period of distress in their lives.
"The increased cost of living, widening dispersal of people seeking asylum to areas without specialist support, and reduced rights for people seeking protection in the UK, all underline the importance of a joined-up, properly resourced safety net which this fund plays an important role in providing."
Polly Jones, head of Scotland for the Trussell Trust said: “We welcome this first plan to end the need for food banks from any government in the UK, and it comes at a time when the use of food banks is at an all-time high.
"Ending the need for charitable food aid requires significant leadership and urgency from all levels of government.
For further information visit Cash-First: Towards ending the need for food banks in Scotland.
Aberdeenshire MSP Gillian Martin said: “I volunteered with Aberdeenshire North Foodbank this winter and it was concerning to hear about the challenges which food banks across the UK were having – that includes food banks needing to purchase food items for the first time.
“That’s why I’m delighted that the Trussell Trust now say that the Scottish Child Payment, a benefit unique to Scotland supplying £25 per week for children under 16, has made a ‘real difference’ in slowing the pace of demand for emergency food parcels.
“I am very pleased that the Scottish Government is taking concrete actions to protect people from harm and tackle poverty where the cost of living crisis continues to be exacerbated by UK Government’s inactions.
"The Cash-First plan exemplifies the government’s commitment to building a fairer and more equal Scotland, by providing direct support and taking targeted steps to improve the response to financial hardship.”
