People who have to
access Scotland’s foodbanks will receive help through a support package
of £1 million over the next two years, the Deputy First Minister Nicola
Sturgeon confirmed today.
Around £500,000 will be given to organisations who work with those in
need, and are helping to address the unprecedented demand for foodbanks,
through the Scottish Government’s two-year ‘Emergency Food Aid
Action Plan.’
£500,000
will also be given to the charity FareShare which redistributes food from
supermarkets to communities and charities.
According to The
Trussell Trust, the number of people who used foodbanks between April 2013 and
February 2014 rose to 56,000, compared to around 4,100 people in that same
period in 2010 and 2011.
Ms Sturgeon
said:
“Today I can
announce the Scottish Government will be providing £1 million over the
next two years to support work which will help combat food poverty in
Scotland.
“One of the
most depressing trends over the last few years has been the rapid rise of food
poverty in our country.
“More
worrying still is the alarmingly high and growing number of children affected
by food poverty. It is disturbing to hear of foodbank providers in Glasgow who
are having to include nappies in their emergency parcels.
“The only
upside to the foodbank story is seeing communities coming together, gathering
and distributing food for those in need. It is important that we recognise
these people and organisations, including some of our major supermarkets, who
are providing this valuable support.
“FareShare
are already providing a vital lifeline to thousands of people across Scotland.
We want to help them support even more people and make sure those driven to use
foodbanks as a result of the UK Government’s welfare reforms are able to
access appropriate advice and support.
“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 fulfil their potential in
work and life.”
Carol-Anne Alcorn,
FareShare Edinburgh and Cyrenians Interim CEO said:
“FareShare
addresses two key issues that face society, food poverty and food waste. Our
partnership with the food industry allows us to safely handle surpluses from
growers, manufacturers and supermarkets and to get this food to a wide range of
Scottish organisations who support those in need.
“This
funding will allow us to expand our services and reach. FareShare will now be
able to develop regionally and expand beyond Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee and
Aberdeen.”
Notes To
Editors
FareShare is a
national charity which redistributes extra stock from supermarkets to
charities.
It operates on a franchise basis and has four delivery partners in Aberdeen,
Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow providing food to over 90 charities and feeding
4,500 people each day.
The charity also
provides training and education around food preparation and
nutrition.