Courtyard Pantry signs up its 350th member
In just five weeks Westercommon’s new Courtyard Pantry food outlet has signed up its 350th member.
Since opening it has now distributed more than 8000 food and household items to the local community.
The Pantry, located on Westercommon Drive in the north of the city, is a partnership between mental health charity Flourish House and Queens Cross Housing Association.
Opening Hours: The Pantry Shop Tuesday and Wednesday, 10am-3pmThe Courtyard Cafe is open Monday, Thursday and Friday, from 10am-2pm for sit in and takeaway. Takeaway food is also available from the kitchen on the days The Pantry is open.
Local people can become members of the Pantry for just £1 and are then able to spend £2.50 in return for food and household goods worth £10-£15 per visit.
Dale Todd is Flourish House’s pantry co-ordinator.
"The response we’ve had since opening from local people has been hugely positive. We have a steady stream of regulars and have quickly established the pantry as a valued local resource,’ he said.
"Memberships are available to anyone living locally and we’ve been bowled over by the interest in the short time we’ve been open."
Stock in the shop is made up of high quality surplus food and household goods from supermarkets and other stores,
Queens Cross Housing Association’s chief executive Shona Stephen said:
"This is great example of how we can use our position within the community to identify a need and work quickly to address that need for the benefit of local people.
"Covid has undoubtedly put more pressure on people, many of whom may have been struggling to start with , so being able to work with Flourish House to give access to fresh, good quality food at a reduced price is a practical way for us to support people who may need a helping hand with everyday expenses.
"The numbers we are seeing coming through the door prove we are helping to address a real need within the local community."
The pantry also houses a cafe, which offers a limited takeaway service at the moment due to Covid restrictions.
Westercommon resident Lesley Murray was the 350th local resident to sign up with the Pantry:
"I think this is great initiative it’s a really pleasant place to come and shop and is real community asset."
The Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11am to 3pm but due to demand Dale added that he was looking at ways of extending opening times.
The project is being funded with help from the Scottish Government’s Communities Recovery Fund and Glasgow City Council.
See the Pantry for yourself in our specially made YouTube video.