Category

• Promising Local Practice

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Poverty impact

• Prevention
• Mitigation
• Reduction
• Awareness

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Poverty driver

• Provide benefit in-kind (material)
• Provide benefit in-kind (experience)

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Keywords

• Community Led
• Food Security
• Sustainability
• Dignity based principles
• Inclusive

Aim

• To contribute to the development of a society where health, well-being, and harmony are supported within active communities.
• North Glasgow Community Food Initiative, the lead organization behind the Milton Food Hub, has the strategic goal to empower individuals and communities by leading practical and sustainable food-related projects. These include nutritional education, healthy cookery classes, and food growing, while also providing access to affordable fruit and vegetables within the local community. The initiative aims to inspire and improve overall health and well-being, promote social inclusion, and celebrate the diverse nature of North Glasgow’s communities.

Summary

The Milton Food Hub and Community Garden is a food pantry, community café, and garden operating out of Liddesdale Square in Milton (North Glasgow). The Hub offers a wide variety of affordable, healthy meals through its community pantry and fridge. It also serves these meals and more through its community café, which is run by local volunteers, the majority of whom have lived experience of poverty. The Food Hub functions not only as a vital source of food provision in an area of high deprivation, but also as a social space for the elderly and those experiencing loneliness. Directly adjacent to the café is the community garden, a space used by the project to grow healthy food and host outdoor and gardening classes for the community.

What difference does it make?

The project has built a real sense of community. The hub not only provides essential food provisions but also operates as a source of emotional support for people in the Milton community. The project has further provided dignity and practical solutions for those who have felt compelled to use it.

Key take-aways

• Community leadership and involvement are essential.
• projects must be genuinely community-led to build trust and ensure relevance. Without local ownership, initiatives struggle to succeed or sustain impact.
• Supporting volunteers, especially those with lived experience of poverty, requires creating a welcoming, respectful, and empowering environment. When volunteers feel valued and supported, they can deliver high-quality, professional services despite vulnerabilities.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to community feedback are crucial. Adapting services, like meal offerings or opening times, helps meet evolving needs effectively.
• Building strong partnerships—whether with local authorities, funders, or other community groups- enhances sustainability and reach. Collaborative approaches allow pooling of resources and expertise.

 

Organisations

The North Glasgow Community Food Initiative (NGCFI).

Location

Milton (North Glasgow)

Contact