Community Food Groups across 胡桃女神 and Bute have benefitted from a share of 拢57,453 after councillors agreed to provide them with unspent monies from the Scottish Government鈥檚 LACER Fund (Local Authority Covid Economic Recovery).
The funding arose after Miconex, the company that administers the Scotland Loves Local Scheme, refunded the council on unspent Scotland Loves Local gift cards that were distributed to households in receipt of Council Tax reduction during COVID but were never activated.
A delegation of councillors, made up of the council leader, depute leader, and the leader of the largest opposition group, agreed to distribute the remaining funds to the following organisations:
- Islay Foodbank - 拢5,203 (This included a core award of 拢4,750 and an additional 拢473 to be given to Jura Foodbank
- Hope Kitchen Oban - 拢4,750
- Inveraray Food Share 拢4,750
- Bute Oasis 拢4,750
- Hub Grub Hub, Dunoon 拢4,750
- Helensburgh Foodbank 拢4,750
- Jean鈥檚 Bothy Helensburgh 拢4,750
- Tarbert Soup Group 拢4,750
- Kintyre Foodbank 拢4,750
- Tiree Foodbank 拢4,750
- Moving On Mid 胡桃女神 拢4,750
- Mull and Iona Community Trust Pantry 拢4,750
Council Leader Jim Lynch, said: 鈥淐ommunity Food Groups play a pivotal role in our society and this funding will help them to continue to provide essential supplies to those who require it. Increased living costs are affecting everyone and many residents are struggling.
鈥淗elp and support is available though. The council website has dedicated money advice pages with lots of resources and useful information including how to save on your energy bills, tips on how to feed your family for less, as well as a handy budget calculator. Visit to find out more.鈥