Scottish convenience store retailers are being incentivised to increase their food-to-go offering with a £300,000 grant from the Scottish government.
The grants will match-fund the installation of food-to-go stations up to the value of £7,500.
The aim of the programme is to help create a new income stream for grocers, at the same time as providing customers access to quality locally sourced healthy food.
The programme was initially launched last year, with £250,000 distributed within the c-store sector.
The announcement that the programme would continue, with an additional £50,000 making the grant pot £300,000 for 2019, was made today (30 April) at the annual summit of the Scottish Grocers Federation, which is to administer the programme.
In addition to demonstrating a commitment to delivering the aims of the programme, an additional criteria this year will require applicants to include an action plan to reduce food and packaging waste.
“The first phase of the food to go fund was very effective in supporting small retailers throughout Scotland to entice customers into their stores and generate a new income stream for grocers,” said Fergus Ewing MSP, cabinet secretary for rural affairs. “This new funding will further help grocers to provide people with access to quality, locally sourced and healthy food, in addition to providing an important focus this year on reducing waste, and I would encourage eligible retailers to apply.”
Scottish Grocers Federation chief executive Pete Cheema said: “We are delighted that the Scottish government is not only renewing but increasing this significant investment in our industry. The grants will help convenience retailers to stay competitive, respond to changing customer demand and connect with local suppliers. This is a win-win for convenience retailing in Scotland.”
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