ORGANISATIONS throughout Glasgow are working hard to reduce the need and reliance on food banks across the city while creating a more dignified food provision.

The Glasgow City Food Plan which has been developed by Glasgow Food Policy Partnership which the council is a key member of, has set up a new systems approach to help support Glasgow in addressing a range of social, health and environmental issues.

So far various food pantries, which offer fresh produce at a reasonable price, have been developed throughout the city.

During a meeting this week councillor James Scanlon asked if there had been a reduction in food bank usage now that the pantries were in operation.

Council officer Louise MacKenzie said: “We would like to see a reduction in the number of people needing access to emergency food aid, but I don’t think we are there yet.”

Members agreed that more needed to be done to tackle this social inequality.

Chairwoman Christina Cannon added: “I think this is a really important point and underlines the reasons why we need a food strategy to reduce the need for emergency food supplies but also provide alternative, more sustainable and more dignified ways to provide food to our citizens as well.

“I hope this is kick starting that process and I look forward to hopefully seeing some really positive changes.”