Councillors have praised efforts to distribute around 1.6 million free meals in Aberdeen despite concerns it reflects a crisis point.
Members of the anti-poverty and inequality committee met for the first time today to discuss the steps being taken to address issues in the city as the cost of living crisis continues.
The committee was created back in August following a restructure of the council with an aim to tackle child poverty, fuel poverty, food poverty, and in-work poverty.
What is being done to help those in need across Aberdeen?
The local authority has set aside £1.6m to tackle poverty and deprivation in the city through the Fairer Aberdeen Fund.
Nearly £750,000 has also been allocated to support community groups.
The cash will go to a number of initiatives and services as well as vulnerable groups across the city.
One of the projects to receive a share of the money is the Station House Media Unit (Shmu).
Committee members briefly discussed their recent visit to the community media charity after watching a video titled ‘Challenge Poverty’.
The clip features 12 young people sharing their thoughts on the cost of living crisis.
You can watch the video below:
Free school meals will continue to be provided to those who need them and members heard that an extra 825 youngsters have benefited from the scheme.
The council also recently agreed £1.1 million of funding to help residents through the cost of living crisis.
The money is already being sent out to assist foodbanks, employability and providing children with winter clothing.
Work is ongoing to update the Child Poverty Action Plan for 2023-26, and this will be considered at the next committee meeting in January.
1.6 million meals served
A report by Fairer Aberdeen revealed that 557 tonnes of free food was distributed throughout 2021/22 – the equivalent of 1.6 million meals.
Conservative councillor Richard Brooks, who founded the TLC foodbank back in 2002, noted the “incredible” number.
He said: “That probably reaches half the population of Aberdeen, that’s a huge amount.
“It would be great to celebrate the fact that the council has managed, through FareShare and other distributors, to have reached a certain amount of people.
“It’s an incredible job to be able to distribute that amount of food.”
Foodbank numbers reflect ‘crisis point’
But SNP councillor Jessica Mennie said she felt “uncomfortable” celebrating the numbers.
She said: “Foodbanks should not be needed if we are working as a society to meet the needs of our people.
“I absolutely do commend the work undertaken by volunteers in helping those most in need, but not the amount of food needed as that’s a reflection of the increasing crisis point people are getting to now.”
Ms Mennie hopes that the committee can work to reduce the need for foodbanks across Aberdeen.
Support for local community centres
But the Labour group moved an amendment asking the council to make it easier for community centres to access and apply for additional funding to support residents.
They also asked if it was possible to extend the opening hours of libraries across the city to enable them to provide warm spaces this winter.
The amendment was unanimously backed by the committee.
Labour councillor Simon Watson said: “Volunteers who run Aberdeen’s community centres are providing food, warmth and activities to keep vulnerable people going during the cost-of-living crisis.
“The complex process of applying for funding means volunteers spend too much time doing this instead of helping people.
“Community centres can focus on expanding their services and supporting people.
“This will make a practical difference and lend a helping hand.”
You can watch the meeting here.
Conversation