Recently Govan H.E.L.P opened the doors to the fantastic pantry, which makes food a lot more affordable for those who need it. The organisation is part of the Thriving Places Food for Good group, who have been working to support food access in the local community in recent months, whilst Covid 19 has prevented or limited how individuals and families would normally access food. During the earlier stages, in lockdown, from funding received via Govan’s Covid 19 Temporary Emergency Fund, and Glasgow City Council funding already pledged to food work in Govan, the group worked to deliver a meals programme, and to support individual partners of the Food for Good Group in their activities:
£1,100 allowed Gilded Lily to provide food parcels and items to vulnerable local women and families.
£1,500 supported Aberlour to continue a service with Young People and families for 4 weeks.
£817.39 supported the food element of GYIP’s ‘Have a night in on us’ initiative.
£5,849 supported the purchase of a freezer, the payment of two chefs, and ingredients, for the meals programme. This meant that over 5 weeks during lockdown, 50 * 2 course meals were accessible to local people who needed them, via Govan HELP, and the Moogety Food Point at Elderpark Community Centre, (currently operating on Wednesdays 6 – 7.30pm and Saturdays 2 – 4pm. Please check their facebook for current details.)
As the Covid 19 situation progresses the group are continuing to seek to address food needs in Govan, by supporting individual Food for Good partner initiatives, and working with local housing associations to identify the people who will benefit most from food and meal access.
There has been other important food work taking place in Govan during Covid 19. From food parcels via Maslows, Govan Community Project, Govan H.E.L.P and others, to cook along sessions (with free ingredients) via Moogety GrubHub & the Kinning Park Complex, to meals being made available from the Salvation Army, the Park Terrace Cafe, and the Preshal Trust.
Many people are struggling to access food through absolutely no fault of their own. If this has affected you or someone you know, please contact your housing association (if relevant to your situation) or check out the Urban Roots Free Food Map, and flyer, for information to help you access food. Many services are impacted by Covid 19 restrictions currently, but there is support for food available, so do not struggle alone.
If you know about other food support which is available in Govan and want us to share this information, then please let us know! You can message the @govanwhatson facebook page or send us a tweet @ThrivingGovan
