A STUDY looking at the impact of COVID on Fifers has found worrying evidence of people "going some days without food". Councillors were told contributory factors such as low income and job insecurity, debt and mental health have all got worse during the pandemic and affected locals' ability to feed themselves. Research led by Professor Karen McArdle, from the University of Aberdeen, involved discussions with 154 people in Fife who were in receipt of an emergency grocery box or an emergency hardship payment. They also spoke to representatives from 35 voluntary groups. The report to the community and housing services sub-committee said: "Researchers found it particularly concerning that there was 'evidence of people going some days without food' and that it was clear from the sample that 'food insecurity was a fundamental concern and widespread in all areas'.