Glasgow Food pantry network delivers over 1 million meals

Since it started in December 2020, the organisation has also helped reduce food waste by approximately 455 tonnes while enabling people to eat more healthily at a reasonable cost.

Ruchazie Food Pantry, which is part of the network and was set up by local councillor Mandy Morgan, opened its doors in September 2020. Since then it has found the model-based membership system successful by helping 350 to 400 people each week.

The pantry works in partnership with FareShare which donates food that would otherwise be binned and end up in landfill.

For a £2.50 membership fee, shoppers will get between £10-15 worth of quality food and households have the option to take out multiple memberships to enable them to have more choice, flexibility, and accessibility to the pantry’s food and non-food products.

There are currently seven pantries across Glasgow with more pantries also established in South Ayrshire, Inverclyde, and Renfrewshire.

Councillor Mandy Morgan, founder of the Pantry Network, said: “I think the pantry has done an amazing job. This year Ruchazie has roughly sold 70 tonnes of food with 350 to 400 people using the pantry each week.

“Most of the customers are from Ruchazie but some come from Bridgeton and Springburn who have given us positive feedback.

“The pantry network has grown as well and we now have a policy officer and development officer in place.”

Residents of Ruchazie have described the pantry as a lifeline for them because the money saved shopping there can help buy other necessities for family members.

Others have said the store is excellent value for money meaning they are able to spend money on items they wouldn’t normally get.

One young couple said: “The ruchazie pantry is more than just food for us; it gives us a sense of belonging through volunteering and attending events, and of course it’s a wee place with a big heart it’s amazing.

“The staff are amazing and always have a smile on their faces, and so do we when we get all the extra food goodies.”