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THE launch of Glasgow’s first food pantry has been delayed while the Government tries to tackle the Coronavirus pandemic.

Development on Ruchazie food pantry, at 435 Gartloch Road, was suspended on Monday, March 23 following government advice, having been due to open on April 9.

Local councillor Mandy Morgan is reassuring her constituents the pantry will still open as soon as it is safe to do so and is urging people to stop panic buying as many cannot afford to stockpile.

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Ms Morgan said: “Work on the pantry has now stopped. It was supposed to be finished for Thursday, April 9 with an opening date expected for the middle of April, once volunteers were trained and the shop stocked.

“This pandemic will have an impact on our community. The food pantry was supposed to give people access to good affordable food. With people bulk buying there is little access to food at all.

“People really need to stop panic buying and think of those that can't afford to bulk buy. People living on the minimum struggle from day to day and can only afford to buy day to day.”

Glasgow City Council has been working with the Glasgow Housing Association, Ruchazie Parish Church and Glasgow FareShare to bring the idea to life.

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The project will offer reasonably priced fresh produce rather than have people rely on food bank donations.

The pantry model is one which will give the community access to fresh, quality food at a fraction of the cost of a regular supermarket.

It is hoped once the crisis is over work will continue on Ruchazie food pantry allowing it to open this year.

Members of the community will still be able to volunteer their time to run the shop, keep it fully stocked and learn new skills.