Question reference: S6W-13260
- Asked by: Monica Lennon, MSP for Central Scotland, Scottish Labour
- Date lodged: 20 December 2022
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Current status: Answered by Maree Todd on 16 January 2023
Question
To ask the Scottish Government what its position is on food banks providing infant formula, and whether it plans to provide clarity to (a) food and (b) baby banks on the best practice for providing formula, in light of reports that many are reluctant to distribute formula due to UNICEF guidelines.
Answer
Anyone supporting a family in desperate need should refer them to their local authority or a health professional such as a health visitor or midwife in order to make sure they are getting the holistic support they need, including financial advice and a referral to cash-first crisis supports such as the Scottish Welfare Fund.
Prioritising cash-first in response to food insecurity is in line with a human rights approach and consistent with UNICEF guidance. Following on from last year’s consultation, we are publishing our plan on ending in the need for food banks later this winter – this restates our commitment to this ambition and to continuing to work urgently with partners to strengthen cash-first support available.
The UNICEF guidance does not prevent the purchase and distribution of milk where there is no immediate alternative. UNICEF note that in certain circumstances food banks can make use of crisis funding to support families to purchase the right supply, but they discourage the redistribution of donated milk as this is not a secure, sustainable or appropriate route for ongoing supply.