Hunger crisis stories ‘as heartbreaking as they are avoidable’

Menu for Change board member John Dickie said: “The deeply personal stories captured in this report are as heart-breaking as they are avoidable, and bring into sharp focus how we must do so much more to protect people from the income crises which fuel food insecurity and hunger.

“The social security system is failing even as a safety net to support people who experience a shock to their income, meaning that insecure employment or changes to personal circumstances, like a bereavement, too often push people into needing emergency food aid.

“It is simply unacceptable that in rich, modern-day Scotland people are being forced to turn to foodbanks because wages and social security are inadequate. The system is being found wanting.”

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “No one in Scotland should be left hungry and have to rely on charitable food donations. UK Government welfare cuts since 2010 are estimated to reduce welfare spending in Scotland by around £3.7 billion in 202021, which we know is pushing people into foodbank use.

“The Scottish Government has invested £1.4bn in 2018-19 to support low-income households, including £100m to mitigate the worst of the UK Government’s cuts.

“We are also taking concrete action such as promoting the Living Wage and the Scottish Welfare Fund, which as the report highlights, is a vital lifeline for people facing times of crisis.

“Since the introduction of the Scottish Welfare Fund in April 2013, more than £200m has been allocated to help over 336,000 households.”

“No one in Scotland should be left hungry. AILEEN CAMPBELL