Scottish government pledges £500k fund to end food poverty
The funding – which was part of the £1M Fair Food Fund – was announced by Scotland’s communities secretary Angela Constance during her visit to Cyrenians farm in West Lothian this week (June 27).
The Fair Food Fund supports Fareshare, which works with manufacturers and retailers to redistribute surplus food to organisations and charities across Scotland.
“This fund will be so important to those that are struggling to get out of the cycle of food poverty,” said Constance.
“This funding will go to innovative community projects that are helping people access affordable food, like Centrestage, Dignified Food Project and Bridging the Gap.
‘Daily struggle’
“It will make a real difference in local communities where people are facing a daily struggle to make ends meet.”
Cyrenians farm is a working farm producing fruit, vegetables and eggs and is home to a community of vulnerable young people – aged 16–30 – who live alongside volunteers of the same age group who provide support.
“I was really pleased to visit the Cyrenians Farm today [June 27]. It is a great example of communities and food coming together and playing a significant role in growing local economies,” said Constance.
“It empowers local communities to take ownership of supply chains and to reducing dependence on global markets.”
Tackle food inequalities
The fund is aimed at tackling food inequalities in a more dignified and sustainable way, while it gives people the support they need to find a route out of relying on foodbanks.
Meanwhile, retailer Morrisons has promised to give all unwanted edible food to charity after a successful trial in the north of England.
The retailer pledged last year to donate waste food – both fresh, including fruit and vegetables, and ambient in tins and packets – from all its 500-plus stores to local community organisations.
