This study examines low-income households’ experiences of food support and their views on the Cash-First approach, a key Scottish Government strategy to reduce reliance on food banks. All respondents are from low-income households (≤£20,000), making them the group most likely to use food aid and cash-based support. Using survey data from 1,019 participants, the findings show low awareness of Cash-First but strong preferences for flexible, accessible schemes delivered via bank transfers that cover broader living costs. Respondents value combining cash with support services. While promising, improving awareness, access, and sustainable funding is essential to maximise impact.
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Stage
Purpose
The research is motivated by the Scottish Government’s commitment to a Cash-First approach as a central strategy to reduce reliance on food banks and address food insecurity through income-based support. While policy direction is clear, existing consultation evidence is limited in scope and not fully representative of potential users, highlighting the need for robust and user-centred data.
This study aims to examine low-income households’ experiences of food support and their views on the Cash-First approach as an alternative to food banks. It focuses on understanding awareness, access to information, delivery mechanisms, eligibility, and the role of additional support alongside cash.
Results
Methods
The primary data used in this policy brief were collected using an online survey to examine low-income households’ experiences with food support and their views on the Cash-First scheme. A total of 1,019 participants across the UK with household incomes of £20,000 or below were included in the study.
The survey collected data on awareness, access, and preferences related to cash-based support. Respondents were asked about prior awareness of the scheme, preferred sources of information, eligibility conditions, delivery mechanisms, and duration of support. Additional questions explored preferences for payment methods, spending restrictions, and whether cash should be combined with other forms of support. Participants were also asked about the types of services they would value alongside cash, such as benefits advice or employment support.
Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, primarily frequencies and percentages, to identify key patterns in awareness, preferences, and attitudes towards the Cash-First scheme.
Food banks remain the primary source of food support, with around one in four respondents accessing food aid in the past year. Among these, most relied on food banks, with fewer using alternatives such as social supermarkets. When asked about their reasons for seeking food aid, respondents most commonly cited low income, the rising cost of living, and unemployment.
Awareness of Cash-First support is very low. Around 80% of respondents had not heard of cash-based support before the study, indicating a significant gap in communication and access to information. Respondents expect to find information through trusted and accessible channels, particularly Citizens Advice, government platforms, and food aid organisations.
In terms of design, respondents prefer flexible and practical support. Most favour cash support that covers around one month and is delivered through direct bank transfer. There is also strong demand for additional support alongside cash, especially benefits advice, debt advice, housing support, and help with finding work.
Flexibility in how cash is used is important. Many respondents prefer that cash is not strictly restricted to food and can cover other essential costs, such as transport or delivery. Most also believe the scheme should be funded by the government, either alone or in partnership with donors. Importantly, respondents view cash support as complementary rather than a replacement, with many supporting continued access to food banks alongside cash assistance.
No significant differences were observed between respondents from Scotland and those from the rest of the UK in terms of their preferences and attitudes towards the Cash-First scheme.
Benefits
Cash-First schemes have strong potential to provide a more effective and dignified response to food insecurity than food banks. The findings indicate that flexibility is central to their success: users value the ability to use cash according to their own priorities, including covering a wider range of essential costs beyond food. This highlights that food insecurity is closely linked to broader financial pressures and that rigid or restricted support risks limiting effectiveness. The clear preference for accessible delivery methods and meaningful duration suggests that schemes must be designed to align with real-life financial cycles. Importantly, the strong demand for additional support alongside cash, such as benefits, debt, and employment advice, demonstrates that cash alone is insufficient and is most effective when embedded within wider support systems.
However, key challenges must be addressed. Awareness of Cash-First support is very low, indicating that existing communication strategies are not reaching those who need support most. Referral requirements and eligibility processes may also create barriers to access, particularly in crisis situations. Respondents’ preference for government funding highlights the need for sustained public investment, raising questions about long-term affordability and scalability.
To maximise impact, policy should prioritise increasing awareness through trusted channels, simplifying access pathways, ensuring flexibility in use, embedding wraparound support services, and securing long-term public funding.
Project Partners
Faical Akaichi (SRUC)
Cici Zhong (University of Edinburgh)
Cesar Revoredo-Giha (SRUC)
Ruth Slater (Rowett Institute)
David Watts (Rowett Institute)