Green MSP Alison Johnstone says the fact that food banks have become a normal part of life in this country is a matter of huge concern.

"Nobody should have to go to a foodbank", she states.

She also suggests the food being supplied at foodbanks is not what would be recommended as part of Scotland's efforts to become a Good Food Nation.

Ms Johnstone concludes by insisting everything done at parliament should be aimed at challenging poverty.

Image source, Getty Images

Scotland's largest teaching union, the EIS, argued in May that teachers need help to tackle the impact of poverty on children's education.

Many teachers are concerned that there is little they can do about some of the issues they see in their classrooms.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

More than a quarter of children in Scotland were living in relative poverty after housing costs in 2015-2016, according to government figures published in May.

It marks what charities described as a "devastating" rise of 4% from the previous year.

Overall figures show 1.05 million people in Scotland were in relative poverty after they had paid housing costs, up 2% from the previous year.

Ministers said making a fairer and more equal Scotland was a "core ambition".

Read more here.

Labour MSP James Kelly says the number of people living in poverty in Scotland is a "scandal".

He highlights the knock-on effects of poverty, such as the impact on the ability to concentrate at school for children who are not able to have breakfast.

A lot of the policies causing this poverty are driven by the UK government, Mr Kelly says.

But he argues the Scottish Parliament could also be doing more to help.

If we're going to really tackle these statistics we need a commitment from all levels of government and all parties in this chamber, the Labour MSP concludes.

Tory MSP Alexander Stewart praises third sector organisations for engaging with people facing poverty, and highlights how they offer advice and support.

We can all look towards what more we can all do to help people, he adds.

Mr Stewart says investing in high-quality education is important.

He also argues people must be support to help themselves out of poverty, such as through debt advice services.

The legislation means that in the financial year starting in April 2030, the government has a statutory obligation to have have achieved:

• Less than 10% of children living in households that are in relative poverty - currently 22%
• Less than 5% of children living in households that are in absolute poverty - currently 21%
• Less than 5% of children living in households that combine low income and material deprivation - currently 12%
• Less than 5% of children living in households that are persistent poverty

Image source, Getty Images

Last year MSPs passed a bill a bill containing a series of new targets for the reduction of child poverty in Scotland.

The Child Poverty (Scotland) Act, external sets out four statutory goals which the government is expected to hit by 2030.

It was brought forward in response to the repeal of sections of the UK Child Poverty Act, to reinstate the use of a set of income-based targets.

Equalities Secretary Angela Constance called the bill a "historic milestone" in the fight against poverty.

After a series of amendments were agreed, MSPs unanimously agreed to pass the bill, with the vote finishing 115 to nil.

• Look back on the final debate on the child poverty bill

Labour MSP Elaine Smith says a recent report from NHS Lanarkshire found one fifth of children in the area are growing up in poverty.

"I'm sure we will all agree that this is unacceptable."

Challenge Poverty Week is a great opportunity to work together and discuss real action to tackle poverty, she states.

Ms Smith goes on to highlight the level of in-work poverty.

While praising the many churches which support families in poverty, the Labour MSP insists it isn't good enough that they have to rely on "Victorian era" charity.

I look forward to a future when the gap between the richest and poorest in society is less extreme, she says.

But to get there, significant interventions are needed to challenge poverty adds Ms Smith.

Image source, Alliance

Labour MSP Elaine Smith will lead a debate marking Challenge Poverty Week, external.

Coordinated by the Poverty Alliance, external, Challenge Poverty Week 2018 will run from the 1st to the 7th of October.

Last year saw over 150 anti-poverty activities take place across Scotland as part of it, with involvement from organisations such as Child Poverty Action Group, external, Shelter, external and the Coalition of Racial Equality and Rights. Challenge Poverty Week is all about highlighting the reality of poverty in Scotland, while encouraging discussion and action around solutions to it.

Image source, bbc

SNP MSP Shona Robison raises the behaviour of Donald Trump, who she says has effectively put a woman on trial over claims she has been the victim of abuse by a potential Supreme Court judge.

The first minister agrees that many people, and women in particular, have been horrified by what has unfolded in the US over the past few weeks.

It is important that people who come forward with complaints do not get put on trial, she says.

Image source, bbc

Ms Sturgeon says she asked for the Fairness at Work policy to be introduced to ensure people have the confidence to come forward.

The first minister says the complainants should always be at the centre of our thoughts and complaints properly investigated.

Ms Grant says it appears from newspaper reports that some historic complaints were not reported or taken seriously.

She asks if the first minister is aware of any such cases.

The first minister says she is not aware of any complaints having been swept under the carpet.

Image source, PA

The Scottish government has again insisted there were no recorded complaints regarding Alex Salmond before January this year.

Civil servants have been investigating two allegations of sexual harassment, which have been strenuously denied by Mr Salmond.

It follows claims in the Daily Mail newspaper that one of the complaints was first looked into in late 2013.

The paper said it resulted in "no action" being taken against Mr Salmond.

The Scottish government has previously denied that there were any recorded complaints about Mr Salmond's behaviour before January.

Read more here.

Image source, bbc

Labour MSP Rhoda Grant asks what the government is doing to ensure that all historic complaints of harassment within its workplace are properly investigated and dealt with.

Image source, bbc

Lib Dem MSP Alex Cole-Hamilton says an FOI request to NHS Lothian highlights waits for PreP, medication for HIV.

The availability of PreP is important, agrees the first minister.

She confirms she will discuss the issue with the health secretary and public health minister to see how support can be offered to the health board.