South Lanarkshire Council is delivering the funding as part of its £96 million response to the cost of living crisis.

The money is being distributed this week to those registered foodbanks that have previously received council funding, covering Clydesdale, East Kilbride, Hamilton, and Rutherglen and Cambuslang.

Council Leader Joe Fagan said the additional funding was needed because households were facing the worst economic conditions for 50 years, with food, fuel and other costs rising significantly.

Councillor Fagan said: “While I am very proud that the council is taking decisive action to protect our most vulnerable residents, it saddens me hugely that such action is necessary.

“Quite simply, there should be no need for foodbanks in this country in 2022. It is a tragedy that they are very much needed, and increasingly so as more and more families struggle to pay for the necessities in life.

“This funding will help the dedicated volunteers who run local foodbanks put meals on tables and food in stomachs.”

The foodbanks that will share the funding are in the process of being notified. The £100,000 was agreed across the council’s political groups as part of a £4.68m top-up which takes the entire spend on cost of living supports to more than £96m this year.

Other new supports include weekend payments for children in receipt of free school meals, £49 vouchers for people using pre-paid energy meters, and additional payments for those taking care of looked after children.

The council is also working with South Lanarkshire Leisure and Culture and community groups to establish a network of places that will provide a Warm Welcome this winter – venues where residents will be able to access support and activities.

Full details of the Warm Welcome initiative will be announced in the coming days.