Cash for Food Support Groups

By theorkneynews on January 13, 2023 • ( Leave a comment )

The Scottish Government is allocating an additional £2.4million to groups that support people to access food and other essentials.

£1,000,000 to the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations for cash-first responses to food insecurity via their members
£1,050,000 to Corra Foundation for their Household Hardship Fund, providing grants to organisations working to alleviate poverty with an emphasis on cash-first responses food insecurity
£100,000 to Citizens Advice Scotland to expand their shopping card pilot, offering an alternative to a food bank referral
£250,000 to FareShare for regional purchasing where needed to supplement the supply from surplus and donations

Making the payments in the form of actual cash means that the people who need it the most can decide for themselves what they need.

This issue was recently covered by our short film interview with Denize Lace for the series ‘Orcadian Stories’ where she pointed out the importance of paying those most in need with actual cash.

Speaking about the additional funding Sally Thomas, Chief Executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), said:

“Housing associations and co-operatives are doing everything they can to help tenants keep their heads above water, heat their homes and put food on their table this winter. However our members are increasingly reporting that tenants are facing impossible decisions on and between household bills and food as costs soar.

“It’s simply not right that anyone in Scotland should be going hungry this winter. As we continue to face this unprecedented crisis, this money will be critical to helping ensure social landlords can provide a response to food insecurity that is tailored to the needs of their tenants and communities, maintaining dignity and choice.”