More Glasgow shoppers 'heading to stores in the evening to pick up discounted food'

Some stores regularly donate food that isn’t sold to charities. But now there is less available, as reduced price close to sell-by-date produce gets snapped up by residents.

The issue came to light at the Maryhill Area Partnership meeting on Friday during a discussion on charities facing pressures as they strive to help people in poverty. 

Sharon Bowers, of Acre Tenants Residents Association, said people are going into shops and buying reduced items. 

The association receives donations of surplus food from two nearby Co-op shops in Bearsden and gives it to families in need.

To boost its stock for families, it recently won £3000 area partnership funding to buy a new fridge freezer and six months of food supplies to help those in need. 

Council official Shaw Anderson told the meeting: “More people are going into the supermarket at the end of the day and getting discounted food.”

Mr Anderson said the Glasgow City Mission charity receives free sandwiches from major retailers but now that amount is being reduced. 

A report giving an update on the North West Glasgow Voluntary Sector Network to the meeting said many charities are reporting increased numbers of people attending pantries, food banks and seeking welfare and advisory services across all wards in the North West of the city.

The meeting also heard food waste charity Fareshare was getting fewer surplus supplies from supermarkets for it to distribute.

Commenting on the cost-of-living crisis, SNP councillor Franny Scally said there are “going to be hard times” and offered to garner support to help the community. 

The Maryhill politician suggested going to Asda and Tesco “where many people shop” in the area and asking for support. He put forward the idea of approaching the stores and asking them about the possibility of providing “hot food and warmth for the community".

Councillor Scally added: “I want to do my best to help.”