Thousands of people across Scotland are going hungry because they cannot afford to buy food and other essentials. There has been an incredible response, with many people volunteering at a food bank or donating cash and food. There is also widespread agreement that people should not have to depend on charity, and food banks should not need to exist.
North Lanarkshire Council has responded to the increasing numbers of people turning to food banks by launching the Food Poverty Referral Gateway to ensure that people get their full entitlement to crisis grants from the Scottish Welfare Fund before they turn to food banks for help. There have been some outstanding results, with participating food banks reporting a 22% drop in referrals and the Scottish Welfare Fund able to decide on a crisis grant application in 2 hours 25 minutes, on average.
There have also been challenges, including concerns about whether the Scottish Welfare Fund can administer grants quickly enough; how people in crisis can be supported out-of-hours; and how to involve all organisations in the area.
You’re invited to participate in a workshop to hear more about the Food Poverty Referral Gateway and how it can be replicated by councils across Scotland. We will be drawing on the expertise of all participants to find solutions to the remaining challenges with delivering the Gateway. It is taking place in the GLO Centre, just 2 minutes from the train station in Motherwell, on Friday 23 February, between 10.30 and 3pm.
We expect the workshop to be oversubscribed. Please RSVP, including any dietary or access requirements, by 15 February to info@menuforchange.org.uk to secure your place.
A Menu for Change is a three-year project, funded by the Big Lottery, and managed by Oxfam Scotland, Poverty Alliance, Child Poverty Action Group Scotland and Nourish Scotland. It aims to tackle the underlying problems behind the rise in food insecurity and food banks across Scotland by ensuring people get the cash, rights and food they need before they are in crisis.