Adviser fund opens to combat food insecurity
Money advisers and other organisations helping people facing poverty and hardship are invited to apply to the Scottish Government for a share of a new fund to help tackle food insecurity.
The £1.6m Cash-First Fund is aimed at public sector and third sector partnerships to deliver cash grants for food and other essentials, helping to reduce the need for them to rely on food parcels and food banks.
Up to eight successful partnerships will each be provided with up to £200,000 over two years to deliver activities that improve urgent local access to cash in a crisis. Partnerships could include community food initiatives, local authority teams, and money advice services.
Applications should be made by 5pm on Friday 1 September.
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Taking a cash-first approach to tackling food insecurity means people can access the essentials they need while maintaining dignity. When this is delivered collaboratively, with advice and support to strengthen people’s income, it can also help prevent future hardship.
“Local public and third sector services know their communities best and are well-placed to support households in crisis, so I encourage them to work together and apply for the Cash-First Fund.”
Head of Scotland at the Trussell Trust, Polly Jones added: “Cash-first partnerships will play a key role in taking us closer to a Scotland where no one needs to use a food bank. We are delighted the Scottish Government is launching this innovative pilot, supporting public sector bodies and community organisations to work together to ensure people get the support they need in a crisis and to reduce the need for food banks in their communities.”