A NEW service for those at risk of food poverty has launched this week.

The Food Phone is a joint venture between Meals Collective and People Without Labels who run London Road’s The Space. They will offer a “pay what you can” food distribution service to some of the most deprived areas in the East End including Calton, Gallowgate, Bridgeton and Parkhead.

People are able to contribute as much or as little as they can afford and the plant-based food can be pre-ordered.

Kevin Carroll, the Operations Manager of The Space said: “This is a way of paying it forward for the community, with dignity, where people may not be comfortable with free food ‘handouts’ and the stigma of poverty that can go with that. It’s good food that everyone can afford”

Funding for the project was secured through Foundation Scotland and the Co-op Food Fund and it is hoped they will become self-reliant as more people use the initiative. Hana Ortopelea, the chef and founder of Meals Collective said: “We hope that people will enjoy the food and the idea behind our project.

"It’s a win-win for everybody. Besides ‘pay what you can’ meals, we also offer full three course quality plant-based meals for only five pounds, and this will allow us to produce more good food for the community. Our long term ambition is to activate an entire industry, and be part of shifting the way we grow, distribute, cook and eat in Glasgow.”

Some of the food on the menu includes pasta, curry, stew and pizza. The new approach aims to give people control over the food they eat and is a more sustainable way of tackling food poverty.

Readers who are interested in sustaining the project can do so by ordering food from The Food Phone or donating some money. To see what food is available, readers can text MENU to 07786202247 or follow their social media profiles.

The Food Phone can be reached here.