MORE people in the Wee County are set to receive financial help for food shopping following changes to a key Scottish Government benefit.

Across the country, an estimated 20,000 people are to access money to support healthy food shopping for the first time.

It comes as part of rule changes, coming into force at the end of February, around eligibility for Best Start Foods.

Clacks and Dunblane representative MSP Keith Brown highlighted the extension to eligibility with Best Start Foods provided every four weeks to families from pregnancy until a child turns three years old.

He said: “Previously, this money was paid to people who receive qualifying benefits as long as their incomes did not pass certain limits.

“Those income thresholds have now been removed in a move which means thousands more will be able to successfully apply for a card.

“Other rule changes have made it simpler for eligible young parents to receive the benefit.

“In 2024-25 the Scottish Government are committing a record £6.3billion for benefits expenditure, providing support to over 1.2 million people.

“This is £1.1billion more than the UK Government gives to the Scottish Government for social security, demonstrating the SNP’s firm commitment to tackling poverty.

“This kind of vital support for families in my Clackmannanshire and Dunblane constituency.”

Best Start Foods was paid to more than 46,000 people in 2022-23 with the support delivered on a pre-paid chip and pin card which can be used in most stores and online.

Clacks families can visit mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods for more information.