Glasgow mums launch emergency food bank for day of Queen's funeral

Following the announcement that food banks across the country would be closing for the funeral on Monday, working mums Dr Anastacia Ryan and Claire Morrison launched The Mother Bank.

Set up on Friday, it will operate as an emergency pop-up bank for struggling mothers and carers with no access to supplies such as milk, baby food and nappies on September 19.

READ MORE: Glasgow cafes to operate as food banks on day of Queen's funeral

Anastacia said: “The extent of child poverty in Scotland right now is devastating and its times like this we need to pull together, whilst continuing to speak out about the injustice of a system that is pushing mothers and carers to the brinks of destitution.

"During times of economic crisis, persistent inequalities mean that women, particularly in low-income areas, are the hardest hit and completely reliant on community food banks.

"With Monday’s closures, we have set up The Mother Bank as a temporary service for emergency supplies such as nappies and formula.”

A JustGiving page for the drive has already raised over £2500 and has attracted support from Glasgow singer Joesef, MSPs Monica Lennon and Paul Sweeney, and human rights activist Aamer Anwar.

The Mother Bank (Image: The Mother Bank)

The Waitrose supermarket on Byres Road is also showing support by will be offering pre-prepared bags of essentials to the value of £10, which people can purchase in-store and drop off at the information desk for collection.

READ MORE: Glasgow community groups could receive up to £10,000

Bags are available at the entrance until the store closes on Sunday, September 18 at 8pm.

Claire, who is also head of PR at Scottish creative agency MadeBrave, said, "We have been truly overwhelmed by the response.

"It has clearly struck a chord - no doubt, a perfect storm of the frustrations surrounding the cost-of-living crisis, combined with the food bank closures.

“It really is a terrible time for a huge portion of the population, but most of all for young mums with no or low income who are struggling to provide for their little ones.

"Thinking about those women suffering lonely nights worrying about how they will feed their child, is what inspired The Mother Bank and we are so grateful for all the support so far.

"People really do make Glasgow.”

The Mother Bank will open on Monday, September 19 from 1pm until 4pm at SWG3 in Yorkhill in Glasgow’s West End.

For those who are unable to attend, a door-to-door delivery service will be offered from 4pm to 6pm.

To support the emergency fund, visit The Mother Bank’s Just Giving page here.