Food banks across the South Lanarkshire are to get extra funding to help locals this winter.
South Lanarkshire Council will give an additional £100,000 to them as part of its £96 million response to the cost of living crisis.
The money is being handed out this week to registered food banks that have previously received council funding, covering the localities of Clydesdale, East Kilbride, Hamilton and Rutherglen and Cambuslang.
Council Leader Joe Fagan said the additional funding was needed because households are facing the worst economic conditions in 50 years with the cost of food and fuel rising significantly.
He said: “While I am very proud that the council is taking decisive action to protect our most vulnerable residents, it saddens me hugely that such action is necessary.
“Quite simply, there should be no need for food banks in this country in 2022. It is a tragedy that they are very much needed, and increasingly so as more and more families struggle to pay for the necessities in life.
“This funding will help the dedicated volunteers who run local food banks put meals on tables and food in stomachs.”
The food banks that will share the funding are in the process of being notified.
The £100,000 was agreed by all the council’s political groups as part of a £4.68m top-up which takes the entire spend on the cost of living supports to more than £96m this year.
Other new support includes weekend payments for children who receive free school meals, £49 vouchers for people using prepaid energy metres, and additional payments for those taking care of looked after children.
The council is also working with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture and community groups to establish a network of places that will provide a Warm Welcome this winter, venues where residents will be able to access support and activities.
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