Chamber and committees

The Scottish Government’s recognises that food insecurity is driven by insufficient and insecure household income. No one should have to compromise on food or other essentials and people should have sufficient money to access these with dignity and choice. That is why, in 2026-27 we will allocate over £1.7 million to continue to tackle food insecurity and poverty and strengthen incomes by taking a cash-first approach.

The Good Food Nation (Scotland) Act provides an over-arching framework for clear, consistent and coherent future Scottish food policy. The principles include stating that adequate food is a human right as part of the right to an adequate standard of living and essential to the realisation of other human rights.

We recognise the findings of the Scottish Human Rights Commission's report regarding the challenges that can be experienced by some people living in rural communities, including older people.

The Scottish Government funds Food Train which helps older people across Scotland stay healthy, independent, and well-nourished. Food Train's work improves health outcomes, reduces inequalities, and enables older people to live well for longer in their own communities.

To ensure we can support older people to maximise their incomes, tackle problem debt and contribute to reducing poverty, we have provided funding to Age Scotland this year (2026-27) to support their Advice Helpline. This service provides vital income maximisation support to older people across Scotland.

We are also working closely with our key partners through the Older People’s Strategic Forum on a range of issues related to age equality and older people. Through OPSAF we are currently developing work, reflecting the most up-to-date thinking and evidence, to ensure older people’s rights and priorities are embedded in our policy and decision making.