Summary
The projects that sit under the Fair Food For All theme of the GCFP aim to tackle the issue of Food Poverty. The various initiatives are designed to increase food provision, improve access to information, and raise awareness of existing support.
Making A Difference
As part of the GCFP, progress updates on the Fair Food for All theme will form part of the GCFP annual reports, and impact will be evidenced using the 44 indicators reported to the Milan Urban Food Policy Pact. It also has links to the Community Plan Performance Indicators, which you can read more about in the Performance Report.
The Glasgow City Food Plan was launched in June 2021, and proposes a vision of creating a better food future for Glasgow and how we can get there by working better together. You can read more about the plan as a whole here.
One of the key themes in the plan is Food Poverty – Fair Food for All.
Many people in Glasgow continue to experience food poverty and insecurity, made worse by the rollout of Universal Credit and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Around one third of Glasgow’s children live in poverty and recent research showed around 11% of people had experienced food insecurity at least once in the previous year. Many areas of the city also have limited local access to healthy affordable food sources.
These are the issues the Fair Food for All theme aims to address, and a number of initiatives have already been put in place.
‘Worrying About Money?’ Leaflet
Based on the national ‘A Menu for Change’ project, the ‘Worrying About Money?’ leaflets are co-designed as straightforward resources for people facing financial crisis, and anyone supporting them, to quickly see available advice and cash first support options and which local agencies are best placed to help.
The project is headed up by the Independent Food Aid Network, and free printed copies of the leaflet can be requested for your area through their website. While IFAN lead on the creation of these leaflets nationally, the Glasgow leaflet was developed with support from Nourish Scotland, The Trussell Trust, Glasgow Community Food Network, Glasgow Advice and Information Network (GAIN), Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, Social Security Scotland and the Scottish Government.
A ‘Money Counts’ capacity building course was also launched alongside the leaflet, intended to support its use in communities in Glasgow. You can view a PDF copy of the leaflet here. If you have any questions or feedback please don’t hesitate to get in touch with admin@foodaidnetwork.org.uk.
Free Food Map
Glasgow Community Food network have worked to update a map intended to direct you to free food parcels and free meals in the Glasgow area.
While the map is being continually updated and maintained, it is still advised to double check with a specific project that they are still active and have food available before making a journey.
The map is hosted on the Urban Roots website here.
Food Pantries
Glasgow’s Food Pantry network has continued to develop, and pantries that are part of the Scottish Pantry Network can be found through their website here.
These pantries provide around £10-£15 worth of food per shop for a £2.50 charge, and shoppers can become a community member of the pantry for a minimal (and in some cases free) membership cost.
If you are interested in starting a pantry in your local community, the Scottish Pantry Network also offers expert advice and guidance on how to navigate the associated challenges.
Thrive Under 5
Launched in partnership with NHSGCC Public Health and Glasgow HSCP – Health Improvement, the Thrive Under 5 (TU5) Project aims to reduce childhood obesity. The project aims to tackle the issue through a child poverty centered, whole system pre-5 early intervention approach.
The TU5 Project has been launched in the following Glasgow neighbourhoods: Ruchazie, Garthamlock and Cranhill (North East); Drumchapel (North West); Priesthill, Househillwood, Nitshill and Pollok (South).
