Local Food Social Support Hubs to offer alternative to food banks. Emphasis on fresh, local food and support around a shared meal.
Woodlands Community Garden are launching a new project (Thursday 5th December) that will tackle food poverty through setting up Local Food Social Support Hubs. These Food Hubs, taking place in and around the Woodlands area of Glasgow, will offer a friendly space where people can come, share a meal and access information and support.
Tim Cowen, Project Manager, explains more:
“It is simply unacceptable that this winter, so many people will be faced with a stark choice between eating and heating. We are determined to do what we can to support and empower people at the frontline of the cuts. The food at our hubs will be fresh, local and seasonal and we will be emphasising bringing people together over a communal meal, rather than giving out dried- food parcels. ”
The Community Garden will also be working with local schools and community organisations to grow food that will be used in the meals and to provide training on how projects can set up their own growing space.
The food hubs will be delivered in partnership with a range of organisations including Glasgow Council for Voluntary Services’ (GCVS) Albany Centre, West End ACTS (Action for Churches Together in Scotland) and Flourish House.
John Linn from Flourish House said
“People experiencing mental health problems often face isolation. Food and communal cooking can be a great way of bringing people together and so we are really looking forward to working in partnership with Woodlands Community Garden on this new project. At a time of welfare cuts and rising food prices, it’s a really important initiative that will increase our member’s ability to access fresh and healthy food.”
Alison Spurway, from West End ACTS said
“A communal meal and the sharing of food is at the heart of the Christian message. The churches in the West End of Glasgow are therefore delighted to be in partnership with Woodlands Community Garden in this very worthwhile project.”
Melissa Duffy, Albany Centre Development Officer added that she too was looking forward to working in partnership with Woodlands Community Garden on the project and explained about the positive impact that the Garden has already had on the community:
“GCVS has been grounded within the Woodlands community for the last 30 years and we are delighted to watch Woodlands Community Garden grow from a very good idea into a wonderful reality. The community garden is a fantastic example of how a community can work to enrich its surroundings and make use of its neglected spaces. The garden brings a much needed opportunity for adults and children alike to learn about the living environment.”
This project is supported by the Big Lottery Support and Connect Fund.
The first food hubs take place:
Wednesday 11th December 5-8pm at Albany Centre, 44 Ashley Street, G3 6DS
Tuesday 17th December 4-7pm at Kelvinside and Hillhead Church, Observatory Road, Glasgow, G12 9AR
More information can be found HERE
