The SNP Government has allocated a further £1,038,000 to North Ayrshire Council (NAC) to help deliver supplies to people unable to access food due to the coronavirus.
Local authorities are sharing £30 million of new investment from the SNP Government’s Food Fund to support those struggling.
The funding will support those most in need, including families with children who are eligible for free school meals, older people, folk with long-term health conditions and pregnant women.
NAC will have flexibility to use this additional resource in ways that best meet emerging local needs and circumstances, working with community groups and businesses to support home delivery, provide financial help and meet dietary requirements.
The £350 million Communities Fund was announced by Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell on 18 March 2020.
Since then over £100 million of new support has been delivered to local authorities to assist their efforts. This includes £50 million in hardship funding, £22 million to bolster the Scottish Welfare Fund and £30 million from the Food Fund.
Kenneth Gibson MSP said:
“Coronavirus has brought enormous disruption to all of our lives, and some people will be concerned about accessing food.
“This investment will help people in North Ayrshire at most risk access food through this unprecedented crisis.
“Free school meals are vital for families across North Ayrshire and are an important way of ensuring children receive the nutritious food they need. That is why it is so important that support continues while schools remain closed.
“I welcome the work NAC has been doing so far in this field and know they will make excellent use of this additional funding.
“This is just one part of the support the SNP Government is providing to local authorities, individuals and businesses to protect jobs and incomes.”
ENDS
