13 January 2020

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon has thanked compassionate community volunteers who are helping those facing hunger in Scotland.

Ms Sturgeon was in Kinross to express her gratitude to Broke not Broken, a volunteer-led project, which runs a food bank and advice hub offering people support before they end up in a crisis situation.

The First Minister said:

Broke not Broken have my unending thanks for their kindness. The charity is a shining example of the many compassionate organisations throughout Scotland that are helping those in our society who, through desperation and often as a result of UK welfare cuts, are forced to turn to charities to feed their families.

It is a disgrace that increasing numbers of people across the country are struggling to feed themselves and their families. No one should go hungry or have to rely on charitable food provision in a country as prosperous as Scotland.

We invested over £1.4 billion in support for low income households in 2018-19, including over £100 million mitigating the worst impacts of the welfare cuts. Our £3.5 million Fair Food Fund is supporting communities to respond to food insecurity in a way that promotes dignity and helps to move away from charitable food aid as a primary response.”

Amazing for us and all our volunteers to be recognised for the work we all do for our community. Thanks to the First Minister and her team. @ScotGovFM https://t.co/ifvPKn3yNW

— Broke Not Broken (@broke_not) January 13, 2020