SNP MSP for Inverness and Nairn, Fergus Ewing, welcomes food funding for Highland families
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SNP MSP for Inverness and Nairn, Fergus Ewing, has welcomed confirmation that families across the Highland region who are unable to access food due to coronavirus measures will get additional support from the Scottish Government.
Local authorities across Scotland have been allocated money from a new £30 million investment from the Scottish Government Food Fund which will focus on supporting those struggling.
Part of this allocation process has seen the Highland Council being allocated £1.199 million of additional funding as just one part of the total £350 million allocated in the Scottish Government 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.
Local authorities 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 Ewing said: “Coronavirus has brought enormous disruption to all of our lives, and some people will be concerned about accessing food. I am grateful to the Highland Council and their staff for the work they are doing on this and other matters in what are truly unprecedented times.
“This investment will help those across the Highlands 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 my constituency 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.”
