Govanhill community group make appeal to local people to "give something back"

Inga Zaiceva, who manages the pantry at Govanhill Baths Community Trust, says being a member is “not about being poor” it’s about doing good and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill. 

The People’s Pantry is a membership-led shop providing access to affordable, nutritious, and culturally appropriate food, as well as household essentials. Anyone who lives in the G41/G42 postcode areas can become a Pantry member for £6 a year. 

After joining, members can shop weekly for £4 and fill their baskets with purchases up to the value of £30.

Inga said: “We want to let people know that if you come into the pantry it’s not like you are coming in because you are poor, you are coming in to do good in the community and to reduce the waste to go to landfill.

“It allows people to feel that it’s not about us doing them good but they feel they are doing good which makes it a nicer and more dignified approach.

“We are trying to introduce that to everyone. This is better than going to foodbanks but when people come into the pantry it gives them back their dignity.

“The pantry is so popular – everyone wants to be a member. People can come in and see what is so good for the network.”

The pantry whose stock is mainly provided by Fareshare, a food redistribution charity, local supermarkets, food providers and local growers had 600 members last year – 300 of which have already been renewed in 2024.

Inga added: “People are moving away from the area or some people are getting back into work and feel they aren’t in as much need for the pantry at the moment.

“We do have about 500 people on the waiting list and trying to get it down so that we can help everyone.

“The main problem is making sure we have enough food for everyone so people can join.”