AFTER three-years of planning, Ruchazie’s first food pantry which aims to tackle food inequality will open next Monday.

The shop, which sits at 435 Gartloch Road, was due to begin operating in April this year but the launch date was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Glasgow City Council has been working jointly with Glasgow FareShare to bring the project, which benefited from the communities’ fund, to life.

It comes as the local authority prepares to launch a public consultation on its food growing strategy for the city.

READ MORE: Glasgow's first food pantry looks to tackle social inequality ​

Councillor Mandy Morgan, who has been involved in the creation of the pantry, said: “We were one of the organisations that managed to benefit from the communities fund which has been really positive for us.

“The pantry is open to everyone and acts as a dignified approach to tackle food security. There will be a lot of benefits from the pantry including volunteer and upskilling opportunities.

“It will be run mostly by volunteers of which there are 25 but social distancing measures will be put in place.”

Those interested in the pantry will pay £2.50 for £15 worth of healthy food which is divided into five categories and customers will receive produce from each. There is no limit to how much a person can buy. Glasgow City Council will also help organisations tackling food poverty, to encourage people access the benefits they need.

Ms Morgan added: “The community is extremely excited about this. They have been asking questions and can’t wait for it to open. I am really excited to see the project come together and to open next week. Parkhead already helps 400 members and I am hoping we will see similar numbers.”

The process will be reviewed and feedback welcome from the community.

READ MORE: Ruchazie food pantry to open next month​

Ward colleague councillor Ruairi Kelly said: "I'm delighted to see this pantry opening, it has been the result of nearly three years of planning and hard work by all involved and the community should feel really proud of what they have achieved.

"This isn't just one pantry, it has been the beginning of a network across the city where communities have come together to address the issues of hunger and food waste with a sustainable solution.”

Jim Burns of Fareshare said that the store would be a vital resource for the community, offering affordable food on their doorstep.

He added: The aim is to make it a real community hub, growing a range of services around the pantry.

"This is a testament to what true a partnership between essential agencies and the people of Ruchazie can achieve, a potentially sustainable model has been almost three years in the making, but well worth the wait".