Scottish Government has announced an additional £2.4 million in funding to help people struggling to afford food and other essentials.

The funds will go to 4 organisations to distribute on a mainly “cash-first” basis to people in immediate need, in the face of the cost of living crisis.

A focus on crisis payments and shopping cards will allow people to choose for themselves what they need, through a dignified approach.

The £2.4 million has been allocated as follows:

£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

For further information, please visit the Scottish Government website.