Up to £200,000 is available to partnerships supporting people struggling with the Cost of Living. Organisations including community food initiatives, local authority teams, and money advice services are able to apply for the Scottish Government funding.

Social Justice Secretary in the Scottish Government 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.

“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.”

Last year, as part of The Orkney News series of films ‘Orcadian Stories’ we heard from Denize Lace in Hoy about the importance of Cash First schemes.

Denize Lace is the Wellbeing Coordinator for the island of Hoy. In this short film she explains the Island Wellbeing Project and the particular challenges island residents have faced due to the Covid pandemic lockdowns, and the ongoing cost of living crisis.

The Cash-First Fund closes at 5pm on Friday 1 September. It is open to Public and Third Sector partnerships.

Polly Jones who is 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.”

Click on this link for more information Cash-First Fund: form and guidance

Coordinator of the Independent Food Aid Network, Sabine Goodwin said:

“This funding provides a critical opportunity to cement local cash first actions aimed at reducing food insecurity. Ending the need for food banks undoubtedly requires strategic vision and close collaboration at a local level.

“We very much welcome the Scottish Government’s support of local partnerships and the prioritisation of a cash first approach to food insecurity.”

For anyone worried about paying bills etc click on this link for information and advice Help during the cost of living crisis