The Scottish government has unveiled a £1.6m Cash-First Fund to enable public sector and third sector partnerships to deliver cash grants for food and other essentials, helping to reduce the need for food banks.
Up to £200,000 will be made available to partnerships including community food initiatives, local authority teams, and money advice services.
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.”
She added: “Tackling poverty and protecting people from harm is a critical mission for this government and our actions are already making a difference to households, including some of our most vulnerable children, across Scotland. The Cash-First Fund is another important milestone on this journey and our learning from this will take us another step closer towards a Scotland without the need for food banks.”
Polly Jones, Head of Scotland at the Trussell Trust, said: “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.”
