A Glasgow food project has been praised for bringing a community together during the cost-of-living crisis.

Sandyhills Larder, located at 20 Balbeggie Street in the north-east of the city, offers customers discounted food including fruits and vegetables, meat, and everyday household items.

Customers pay £1 a month to use the service, which is part-funded by the National Lottery Cost of Living Fund and can shop as much as they like.

Marie McInally and Jackie McLauchlanMarie McInally and Jackie McLauchlan (Image: Wheatley Group)

The larder, which currently has 386 members, is run by Good Food Scotland and supported by Wheatley Foundation, the charitable arm of Wheatley Group.

As it marks its first birthday customers and staff have been reflecting on the past 12 months.

Jackie McLachlan, who stays in Strowan Street, believes Sandyhills Larder brings “real value” to the community.

She said: “I come here to save money. I usually combine it with a supermarket shop and save around £15 a week.  

 “This place brings real value to the community. I always chat to people I don’t know. There’s a lot of poverty and unemployment up here but people get together and help solve each other’s problems when we can.

“It even helps reduce things like anti-social behaviour.” 

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Sylvia AdairSylvia Adair (Image: Wheatley Group)

Sylvia Adair, larder co-ordinator, added: “The larder is a help-out, not a handout. We’re a shop, not a food bank.

“Food banks use donations of surplus food from supermarkets and people can’t choose what they get.  

 “We are a shop where things cost less, a shop for everybody. I buy online, and look for the best deals from supermarkets so we can offer affordable, branded products.

“It allows people to shop with dignity. A lot of people are suffering from the cost-of-living crisis and the larder is a place where people can get what they need. 

“It’s a really good, sustainable model.” 

The larder has also become a community hub where tenants support one another.

Many donate food to the service and participate in weekly ‘Thrifty Thursdays’ which offers free items such as clothes, games, books, and DVDs.

Additionally, the space is used by community groups including a youth group, a karaoke club, and a guitar club.

Not only that but the community is invited to take part in movie nights, bingo nights, sewing classes, and English language classes at the hub.

Sylvia AdairSylvia Adair (Image: Wheatley Group)

Sylvia Adair added: “The larder has become a really good wee hub, especially for people who live alone.  

“I talk to everyone who comes in to help gauge their mental health. It’s a real team effort. If someone hasn’t been in for a while, we’ll ask the concierge to chap their door, and see if they need other help.

“It helps us support people.” 

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Donna Cook and Cathie Rogan Donna Cook and Cathie Rogan (Image: Wheatley Group)

Cathie Rogan and Donna Cook, who are regulars at the larder, volunteer at a similar pantry in Haghill. The friends highlighted the importance of the service.

Cathie said: “Everyone is so friendly and helpful. No one is ever judged, everyone is made welcome.

"Even if people don’t have money, they never get turned away. There is no shame. The pantry allows you a bit more dignity.” 

Donna added: “These places feed the community. There’s a real need for it because people can’t afford to pay shop prices.

“There’s so much good stuff here and it’s all much cheaper than the supermarket. It definitely brings the community together and people help each other out.” 

The larder is open on Wednesdays from 10.30am to 1pm and on Thursdays from 2pm to 5pm.