The money is a slice of the £1.672 million provided to Angus via the Scottish Government’s £80mLocal Authority Covid Economic Recovery fund, which is designed to provide targeted support for businesses and communities as part of the next phase of the pandemic recovery.

Bids are now being invited from local charities and community organisations who are assisting in the support of vulnerable people and communities affected by food poverty and helping them to connect with the support they need.

Councillor Mark McDonald, communities convener, said: “When put to good use alongside ongoing financial and practical support, this latest significant piece of funding will have a positive impact across our Angus communities.

“These are extremely challenging times. I cannot recall a time when the demand on people’s personal finances was so great. It is vital that we use all means at our disposal to support those in greatest need, not least when it comes to food poverty. The very notion of people going hungry in Angus in the 21st century should appal every one of us.

“The LACER fund’s strength is that it maximises local service delivery, making best use of the strong links forged between Angus Council and the many excellent voluntary and charitable groups in our area and I look forward to hearing about the applications we receive.”

The LACER fund builds upon the wide range of work that is already being undertaken by groups across the county and means those agencies can grow and strengthen their resources as they provide crucial help to people at the earliest opportunity.

Angus Council is ready to receive funding applications now. They can be for a minimum of £1000 and maximum of £10,000. The closing date for applying is Monday 1 August 2022 at 12pm midday.

Examples of projects could be:

• Direct assistance to access food offering a wider range of fresh, refrigerated goods.
• Supply of equipment/resources to reduce cooking costs, or enhance nutrition, such as slow cookers, or quick and easy meal cards.
• Projects that look at the underlying causes of food poverty and/or sustainable home growing alternatives.
• Activities and services that support people to overcome food poverty, including targeted assistance for families in meeting the increased costs of living

Please email CommEngagement@angus.gov.uk if you would like to apply to this fund.