A FORWARD-THINKING housing association has announced its plans to tackle food poverty in the East End.

Wellhouse Housing Association (WHA) has teamed up with local group East End Flat Pack Meals to offer healthy food packs and cookery lessons to people on a low income.

The project is aiming to give East End locals nutritious, affordable and healthy food.

Jackie Bole, who runs East End Flat Pack meals with her daughter Beth, said:“A big part of what we do is set people up with the skills and motivation to make delicious and healthy meals which they and their families can enjoy.

“Working with WHA as our distribution base and to host our cooking workshops will not only help develop know-how but will also be key in creating community spirit and support once lockdown is lifted.”

Food parcels can be collected from The Hub on Wellhouse Crescent at a designated time.

Glasgow Times:

WHA has also set aside £500 to fund 200 visits to The Pantry in either Ruchazie or Parkhead and tenants can also benefit from free bus travel to either of the two.

Pantries offer low-cost but high quality food to those in the area. They are open to everyone for a small membership fee which enables people to receive £15 worth of food in return.

The housing association can also cover the cost of membership and a first visit if tenants need this support.

Chairman of WHA, Darron Brown, said: “This has been an exceptionally challenging time for everyone, and we have seen foodbanks struggling to keep up with demand and many families finding it hard to make ends meet.

“Food poverty is simply unacceptable in this day and age and at WHA we fully support the work of East End Flat Pack Meals and The Pantry.

“We want to help to eradicate food poverty and these initiatives are the first stage of our work to make sure that no one should have to go without the basics to look after themselves and their family.”

“This is a creative, innovative strengths-based approach which is designed to divert good food from going to landfill while at the same time offering an engaging and tailored “shopping experience”.

“It provides a dignified choice for both the individual and local community. Unlike other models of food distribution, a pantry will open and function like a normal shop. In addition, and critically, access to a pantry will not be means tested and does not require anyone to explain their circumstance; memberships are open to everyone in the community.

“We want to ensure the pantries are accessible and inclusive so we have teamed up with community transport Glasgow to provide a free bus home delivery service for vulnerable residents.”