Food aid organisations are now able to apply for funding
through the £500,000 Emergency Food Fund (EFF).
The Scottish Government fund is part of a £1
million investment in food aid, with £500,000 already committed to
charity FareShare which redistributes surplus food from retailers to charities
supporting their local communities.
According to the Trussell Trust, the number of people
who used food banks in Scotland between 1st April 2013 and 31st March 2014 rose
to 71,428 compared to 14,332 people in the same period of 2012 to
2013.
EFF will support projects which respond to immediate
demands for emergency food aid and help to address the underlying causes of
food poverty.
Applications are invited for larger grants, up to four
of which will be awarded at between £30,000 and £50,000 each.
Smaller grants of up to £10,000 each will also be awarded, with
£1000 being the minimum value for any individual grant.
Grants will be given to projects that concentrate on
preventing food crisis recurring, those that build connections between food aid
providers, advice and support agencies and organisations working to promote
healthy eating and reduce food waste.
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon
said:
“The amount of people experiencing food poverty in
Scotland is simply not acceptable. Welfare reform, benefit delays, benefit
sanctions and falling incomes are all having a detrimental impact on the people
of Scotland.
“The Scottish Government’s Emergency Food
Fund will help food aid organisations combat food poverty in Scotland by
working in partnership with other local agencies. I urge relevant organisations
to apply.
“One of the most depressing trends over the last
few years has been the rapid rise of food poverty in our
country.
“The only upside to this is seeing communities
come together, gathering and distributing food for those in need. It is
important that we support these people and organisations through initiatives
such as the Emergency Food Fund.
“Most people recognise that the increase in
foodbank use is directly linked to welfare reform and benefit cuts. Only an
independent Scotland will have the full powers we need to protect people from
poverty and help them fulfill their potential in work and
life.”
In April 2014 the Scottish Government
announced £1 million to support work of emergency food providers.
£500,000 is to be given to organisations who work with those in need
through the Emergency Food Fund. The remaining £500,000 has been
allocated to the charity FareShare which redistributes food from supermarkets
to communities and charities.