A BRAND new food pantry aiming to help locals access healthy and affordable food has opened its doors to the community in Possilpark. 

The Courtyard Pantry, located on Wester Common Drive in the north of the city, is a partnership between Flourish House, a mental health charity, and Queen’s Cross Housing Association. 

Customers are able to become members of the pantry for £1 are able to spend only £2.50 for £10 to £15 worth of food per shop. 

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Dale Todd, pantry co-ordinator, said: “The response we’ve had so far from people in the shop has been overwhelmingly positive. 

“People coming in have been really encouraging but also surprised at the quality of food we are offering.

“We want to make sure that no one is left out so the memberships are available to anyone, regardless of their situation.”

The stock in the shop is made up of surplus food from supermarkets and other stores, where the food would normally be sent to landfill. 

Dale said: “We recognised that there was a demand for good quality food.

“After we got funding through our partnership with Queen’s Cross Housing Association, we realised the food pantry model made the most sense for the way we were working and what was needed in the area.”

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The pantry also houses a cafe, which has seen a reduction in services due to the coronavirus pandemic. 

Dale said: “The cafe was really a great way for people to come in and have a chat.

“It is still open, but we are in the same position every other cafe finds themselves in and we are only operating takeaway from the door. 

“What is lovely about the pantry opening too though is that you are seeing people queuing up but having a chat with people that they maybe haven’t seen in several months. 

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“I think it shows the need for that interaction.

“The cafe would normally offer something towards that, we are looking forward until the day we can fully reopen again.”

The Courtyard Pantry has also been used to help those involved with Flourish House and uses their services. 

Dale said: “At Flourish House, we work with people who have had issues with mental health. 

“Very often, this affects their working patterns, so both the cafe and now the pantry means that we are able to provide some work experience to those looking to get back into the workplace.

“They way we are able to help with two difference aims - making quality food accessible to all, and helping those in need of our help.”

The Courtyard Pantry is open on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11 to 3, and memberships to the pantry can be arranged by visiting in person, or emailing courtyardpantry@flourishhouse.org.uk.