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Demand for emergency food aid soars amidst cost of living crisis

6 February 2023 
Hands holding a cardboard box labelled food aid
Debt help charity issues a stark warning as latest figures reveal food scarcity is forcing people across Scotland to go hungry. 

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Scotland is sounding the alarm as demand for their emergency aid soars. Through their network of 25 community based Debt Centres throughout Scotland, CAP provides people seeking their debt help with emergency aid. Throughout this year, demand has grown to alarming levels with latest stats highlighting an 80% increase in demand for emergency food aid in the last six months of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021.

A comment from Scotland’s National Director, Emma Jackson

In a just and compassionate society, it is not acceptable that people do not have enough money for food. We should be appalled that people are not just hungry, but in fact risking starvation right now. This shocking increase in demand for emergency food aid has us all deeply concerned at CAP. These numbers represent real lives and we are hearing heartbreaking stories from the people we support across Scotland of the situations they are facing. 

“Our Glasgow West Debt Centre met with a new client and discovered, at their first appointment, that he hadn’t eaten for eight days, surviving on cups of hot water. Our Wishaw Debt Centre is supporting a gentleman who is forced to sleep in his car at great risk to his health in these freezing temperatures. Just yesterday, I met with a gentleman we are supporting in Edinburgh who has not been able to turn his heating on at all this month. 

“This winter, people are beyond breaking point. Lives are at risk as people face impossible situations. Cases of hypothermia and starvation are on the rise. It doesn’t have to be this way. We need to see urgent action from government at all levels, providing targeted support and ensuring that our social security system provides everyone with sufficient income.” 

“Despite all the challenges people are facing, we want everyone to know help is available. If you are experiencing problem debt, you’re not alone. Our network of community based Debt Coaches are here ready to support you, providing expert help out of debt and emergency aid. Visit capscotland.org or call us for free on 0800 328 0006 to find out more.”

Journalists

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) is a UK charity determined to reduce poverty by delivering free debt help, money management education, life skills courses and job clubs. 

CAP Scotland provides free, FCA Accredited debt help through their network of 25 Debt Centres throughout Scotland. To access their help call 0800 328 0006 or visit capscotland.org.

CAP is committed to its services being available to all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Charis Scott, Scotland Promotion and Engagement Manager: [email protected] 07492 094 002. 

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