Food fund support from government

IAN BUNTING

Alex Neil has welcomed confirmation North Lanarkshire families unable to access food due to coronavirus will get support from the Scottish Government.

The Airdrie MSP highlighted how local authorities are sharing £ 30 million of new investment from the government’s food fund to support those struggling.

North Lanarkshire Council has been allocated £2.1 million from the cash, which is one part of the £350 million communities fund.

The funding will support those most in need, including families with children who are eligible for free school meals, older people, those with long- term health conditions and pregnant women.

Councils 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.

Mr Ne i l responded:

“Coronavirus has brought enormous disruption to all of our lives, and some people will be concerned about accessing food.

“This investment will help those in North Lanarkshire at most risk, such as older people and children eligible for free school meals, to access food through this unprecedented crisis.

“Free school meals are vital for families across North Lanarkshire 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.

“This is just one part of the support the Scottish Government is providing to individuals and businesses to protect jobs and incomes.”

Since the communities fund was announced, more than £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.

Easing worries Mr Neil says the investment “will help those in North Lanarkshire at most risk”