For immediate release

Rutherglen MSP Clare Haughey has highlighted the difference that the SNP Scottish Government’s Best Start Foods payment has made in alleviating food poverty in Rutherglen and Cambuslang, with over £3.4 million worth of payments being issued in South Lanarkshire since 2019.  

The payment is made to a pre-paid card every four weeks to eligible pregnant women, their partners or families, to help pay for healthy food until their child is 3 years old – ensuring that all children in Scotland can have the best start in life.  

This cash-first approach, which puts money directly into the pockets of young families, has been commended by the Trussell Trust, the UK’s leading foodbank charity –  who argue that direct cash payments are the most dignified and sustainable way to support people struggling to afford food.  

Across Scotland, over £57 million worth of Best Start Foods payments have been issued since 2019. 

Commenting, Clare Haughey said;

“The prevalence of foodbanks across Scotland is simply unacceptable – but for as long as people struggle to afford food, largely due to further Westminster austerity, it is absolutely right that the Scottish Government should issue these payments.  

“The Best Start Foods payment is making a substantial difference to the lives of young families in Rutherglen and Cambuslang – ensuring that all children can have the best start in life with access to good quality, healthy food.  

“The SNP Scottish Government’s cash-first approach has been commended by charities including the Trussell Trust as the best way to ensure dignity and sustainability for young families reliant on additional support to secure food – by giving them the power to make their own spending decisions.” 

ENDS