Last week during Health Questions I quizzed the Public health minister on the issue of food banks within the region after reports of a high demand for Levenmouth Foodbank since it was launched in September.

I asked the Government what action they would be taking to target resources to address health inequalities after concerns were raised that a number of people referred to food banks also suffer from other health conditions such as mental ill health.

We are seeing an increasing demand in food banks throughout Fife as well as across Scotland and it is important that action is taken to try and address this problem. It was only last week that a Scottish Government report highlighted that in areas of greater deprivation we see a bigger impact on mental well-being as a result of health inequalities.

We also know that those who are referred to food banks are already facing difficult decisions as they struggle to make ends meet. It is therefore important that those who find themselves having to use food banks are being given the help needed and that includes addressing health inequalities.

Earlier this year a report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation highlighted the impact of the current economic climate on disadvantaged areas such as Gallatown. However rather than seeing extra help being provided to these vulnerable areas we have seen the Scottish government role back on its antipoverty programme. This is simply unacceptable if we want to tackle the problems felt throughout Fife.

That is why I asked the Minister what plans the SNP Government have in place to target resources more effectively to address health inequalities in Fife. Unfortunately the Minister was unable to tell me of any such plans.