The need for emergency food aid continues to be a prominent issue throughout Scotland with demand for food banks on the rise in post-Covid recovery and the cost-of-living crisis. The purpose of the Shopping Card Pilot was to investigate alternative methods of reducing food insecurity and providing immediate financial need. The pilot intended to provide households with greater dignity and choice alongside provision of money advice as a way to provide long term support.
Through analysis of the pilot, a distinction between clients in urban and rural areas has been identified for the suitability of a shopping card as an alternative method of food aid. The final evaluation summarises the key pilot findings, successes, as well as learnings identified.