Food pantries set to be opened
TWO new food pantries in Glasgow are expected to launch next month in a bid to tackle poverty and insecurity across the city. The outlets, which will be based in Castlemilk Community Centre and Courtyard Cafe in Wester Common, will follow the Scottish Pantry Network model established by a Glasgow councillor.
Its mission is to prevent poverty and financial hardship by providing food security to those who need it most and advising communities who act on behalf of pantries.
The network looks to reduce food waste locally and nationally and improve the health and wellbeing of those living in deprivation.
Councillor Mandy Morgan, chairwoman of the Scottish Pantry Network, said: “Both of the pantries are slightly different to the ones that have already been built.
“The pantry in Castlemilk will be in the community centre and the Hamiltonhill pantry will be situated in the Courtyard Café. It is quite unique as it will operate as a deli – the shop is going to be in the cafe.
“The Scottish Pantry Network is a franchise model. All the pantries which are attached are following the same model. Customers will pay a £2.50 membership fee for £10 to £15 worth of food in both of them.
“Food which would normally have gone to waste will be provided from FareShare, but we are looking at other suppliers just now.”
The network believes that food insecurity should be managed with dignity, that the food offered should be of high quality and that the organisation should offer support to everyone in the community.
Ms Morgan added: “We don’t have a limit as to how many people can join the network.
“As it stands, I think Parkhead are sitting with about 1400 memberships and Ruchazie is sitting with about 1100 people who have registered.
“We are seeing probably about 350 to 450 people coming through the door per week. It’s all volunteer-run and if anyone would like to volunteer they can contact their local pantry.
“Work is progressing nicely with both of these pantries. Courtyard Cafe is having its signage completed. They have painted the cafe and are aiming to open in mid-February and there are no issues at the moment.”
Both pantries are slightly different to the ones that have already been built